Australia imposes sanctions against Russians over Kerch Strait incident

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator The Honourable Marise Payne stated this in a statement on March 18.

"Today I announce targeted financial sanctions and travel bans against seven Russian individuals for their role in the interception and seizure of Ukrainian naval vessels that were attempting to pass through the Kerch Strait," the minister said.

In addition, the foreign minister recalled that "together with the United States, the United Kingdom and other European Union member states, and Canada, we are strong supporters of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Australia stands united with its partners in opposition to Russia's continued aggression against Ukraine, five years after its illegal annexation of Crimea.

Marise Payne called on Russia to release the detained Ukrainian sailors and seized vessels without delay and to allow free passage of Ukrainian and international ships through the Kerch Strait and the Sea of Azov.

"Australia does not recognise any actions seeking to legitimise the annexation of Crimea or the secession of parts of Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions. I have therefore also imposed targeted financial sanctions and travel bans against three “leaders” from separatist-controlled parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine following so-called elections in November 2018," the minister said.

"We call on Russia to respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, including its territorial waters," the statement says.

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