Prime Minister Scott Morrison says Australia will work with the United States and the United Kingdom to provide "lethal aid" to Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Photo: AFP
"I've just spoken to the Defence Minister and we'll be seeking to provide whatever support we can for lethal aid through our NATO partners, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom," he said.
"We'll be working through those channels because that's the most effective way to do it."
Australia had already committed to send non-lethal aid in the form of military equipment and medical supplies, but had ruled out sending troops.
The government has also offered cybersecurity assistance to Ukraine to help it defend against Russian cyber attacks.
Morrison said Australia would work in "lock step" with the US and UK, and also took the opportunity to criticise China for not unifying with other nations and imposing harsher sanctions on Russia.
"It does disappoint me that while the world is increasing its sanctions on Russia there are countries that are easing their trade sanctions on Russia," he said.
The Prime Minister accused China of undermining Western sanctions on Russia last week, pointing to revelations restrictions on Russian wheat and barley would be eased as part of a new trade deal between Moscow and Beijing.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin agreed to boost trade ties in early February when they struck a broader compact aimed explicitly at undermining America's network of global alliances.
Putin joins sanctioned list
The Prime Minister also confirmed what Foreign Minister Marise Payne flagged yesterday - that the government was looking to personally sanction Mr Putin.
"I confirm that we are taking action against President Putin and his Foreign Minister and we will continue to add names to these lists," he said.
Morrison said the government was still considering whether to expel Russia's ambassador to Australia.
He also said Australia was also committed to helping Ukrainians flee the country if they wanted to come to Australia.
"The other issue which is very pressing is the issue of humanitarian support," he said.
The Prime Minister again said visa applications from people in Ukraine would be given the highest priority, and the "rapid processing" of visas that had already been applied for was now complete.
But he would not confirm how many humanitarian visas would be offered to those fleeing the country.
Instead, he encouraged people to also apply for other visas offered by Australia.
- ABC