Russia's invasion of Ukraine is "brutal" and "unprovoked," Australian prime minister says

 

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison called Russia's invasion of Ukraine "brutal" and "unprovoked," while announcing new sanctions on 25 more individuals and four financial institutions.

“We denounce what are unilateral hostile actions in Ukraine. Russia is flagrantly breaching international law and the UN Charter. Russia has chosen war,” Morrison said, speaking to reporters in a press conference Thursday.  

"Together with the international community, we are banding together in strong terms to condemn these outrageous acts in the strongest possible terms," Morrison said. 

Morrison said the new sanctions would target army commanders, deputy defense ministers and Russian mercenaries "responsible for the unprovoked and unacceptable aggression," as well as businesses that had been involved in the development and sale of military technology and weapons.

On Wednesday, Australia announced sanctions on eight members of Russia's Security Council.

Morrison said there will be "further waves of sanctions" and that he was discussing with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on taking action against more than 300 members of Russian parliament. 

"We must ensure there is a cost for this violent, unacceptable and egregious behavior…there always must be a cost for such reprehensible violence.”

“This is a chilling reminder of the world that we live in, and where the threats and aggression of bullies and those who seek to intimidate others to seek their own advantage ... is a reality," Morrison said.

Morrison said there were no plans for Australia to engage in military support for Ukraine and that their military support had not been requested from the government.

"We work closely with NATO and their member states. What we are doing is working with them in other ways," he said.