Australia announces new sanctions against Russia on the anniversary of the Ukraine invasion

Australia has recently implemented fresh travel bans and financial sanctions on Russian individuals and entities, coinciding with the three-year anniversary of the complete invasion of Ukraine.

On Feb. 24, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Defence Minister Richard Marles, and Foreign Minister Penny Wong jointly announced 149 new sanctions in a statement.

Expressing solidarity with Ukraine, the statement emphasized Australia’s continued support for the country.

The latest measures impose financial penalties and travel restrictions on 70 individuals and 79 entities.

In particular, the sanctions target individuals who back Russia’s illegal administrations in eastern Ukraine and Crimea, including individuals serving in positions such as ministers, judges, and prosecutors.

Furthermore, individuals responsible for conflict-related sexual violence and the forced deportation of Ukrainian children are also included in the sanctions.

Australia has now imposed a total of more than 1,400 sanctions in response to Russia’s invasion.

Russia-North Korea Ties Under Scrutiny

The sanctions also target those involved in enhancing military ties between Russia and North Korea, including the reported deployment of North Korean troops to the battlefield.

This partnership is described by the government as an “extremely dangerous expansion of Russia’s military reach, posing significant risks to the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.”

In addition to focusing on Russian defense, transportation, and finance sectors, Australia has also applied sanctions to individuals and organizations spreading disinformation to undermine Ukraine and other governments globally.

Moreover, trade restrictions have been tightened, preventing the supply of commercial drones and related components to Russia.

Since the onset of the conflict, Australia has extended over $1.5 billion (US$953 million) in support to Ukraine, encompassing $1.3 billion in military assistance, essential battlefield equipment, and training for Ukrainian armed forces.

The statement from the government concluded by calling on Russia to immediately cease hostilities and fully comply with international law, especially regarding the protection of civilians and treatment of prisoners of war. Working alongside Ukraine and partner nations, Australia advocates for a just and enduring peace for Ukraine.

Dutton Pushes for Stronger Support

Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has also voiced his steadfast support for Ukraine.

“The Australian people witness the incredible courage of the Ukrainian population. In their fight against oppression, Ukrainians are not only defending their freedom—they are at the forefront of a battle for civilization itself,” he stated.

Dutton urged Australia to move beyond rhetoric and provide additional military resources, supplies, and aid to Ukraine. Alongside shadow ministers David Coleman and Andrew Hastie, he criticized the government led by Albanese for its slow and inadequate response.

“We observed the government’s reluctance to supply MRH-90 Taipan helicopters. Labor inexplicably left our embassy in Kyiv deserted for almost three years and dismissed a request to assist the nation with its energy requirements,” Dutton added.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine commenced on Feb. 24, 2022, with missile strikes on numerous cities.

Ukraine’s most recent casualty figures, released in December 2024, acknowledged 43,000 deaths among Ukrainian troops and officers, as confirmed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to data analyzed by BBC, only 30 percent of Russians have direct exposure to the conflict through engagement or family ties, while nearly 80 percent of Ukrainians know someone who has been killed or injured.