Advertisement

'Badge of honour': Scott Morrison mocks Putin's punishment

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has brushed off Vladimir Putin's punishment, which sees him banned from entering Russia, claiming the sanctions are a "badge of honour."

More than 220 Australian leaders were placed on an entry ban list on Thursday in response to Canberra’s sanctions against Moscow, with Labor leader Anthony Albanese also blacklisted.

Mr Morrison addressed the new sanctions imposed on Australia at a press conference in Sydney on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison smirking
Mr Morrison said the sanctions are a 'badge of honour'. Source: Getty

"The sanctions are a badge of honour for Australia standing up for freedom," he said.

"I have copped a lot of criticism not just from Russia but from countries in our own region.

"I'm happy to wear that as a badge of honour for standing up for Australians. Australians know I'm not a pushover."

The Russian government said it imposed the bans on Australian government members in response to Canberra’s "unfriendly actions" including sanctions on Moscow amidst its invasion on Ukraine

The move comes after Mr Morrison first announced sanctions against Russia in February immediately after Russian troops invaded Ukraine — joining the US, UK, the EU and Canada in pushing back against Russia.

The PM referred to Russia as "thugs and bullies" over its conflict with Ukraine, causing Russian officials to hit back.

Australia impose fresh sanctions against Russia

Last week, Australia issued fresh sanctions against 67 Russian nationals, in response to evidence of war crimes committed by Russia in Bucha and other areas around the Ukrainian capital Kyiv.

New sanctions have now been imposed on Russian military official Colonel-General Mikhail Mizintsev, who has been labelled the "Butcher of Mariupol" for attacks in the city that targeted buildings sheltering civilians.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Grigorenko has also been sanctioned, along with other senior Russian officials.

In total, more than 600 people have been given sanctions by Australia following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne said the government is "committed to imposing the highest costs on those who bear responsibility for Russia's aggression in Ukraine or hold levers of power".

"The Australian government reiterates our strongest support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and for the people of Ukraine," she said in a statement.

Vladimir Putin
Vladimir Putin has retaliated against the west, including Australia, for its push back on Russia amidst the Ukraine invasion. Source: Getty

Russia retaliates with 'blacklist'

Last month, Russia reportedly placed Australia on a list of so-called “unfriendly” countries as it continues to feel the pressure of widespread sanctions imposed by western nations.

But the new sanctions prohibit any member of Australia’s Federal Parliament from entering Russia.

"This step was taken in response to the unfriendly actions of the current Australian government, which is ready to support any actions aimed at containing Russia,” the Russian. Foreign Ministry said, according to Sydney Morning Herald.

The "blacklist" could also be expanded to include Australian military, businessmen, experts and journalists who had contributed to “inciting a negative attitude towards our country”.

Senator Payne said the sanctions would not deter Australia from imposing "the maximum possible costs" on Russia over its unlawful invasion.

Australia probes Russia's use of chemical weapons

This comes as Australian officials are seeking to verify reports of the use of chemical weapons by Russia in Ukraine.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned in a video address of the potential Russian use of chemical weapons, with reports suggesting they had been used in the battle for the port city of Mariupol.

Senator Payne says the new claims are extremely concerning.

"If they are confirmed that will be a further wholesale breach of international law," she told reporters in Sydney on Tuesday.

"(It's) a further indication of President Putin and Russia's absolute violation of every single value and every aspect of the rules-based global order which has stood us in such good stead for so many decades now."

Australian officials were working with counterparts to determine the veracity of the reports.

With AAP

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.