Moscow –
The United States (US) and Australia compactly imposed new sanctions against Russia. The Russians also replied by boasting that the sanctions would not affect their country.
Reported Reuters, Friday (24/2/2023), the Australian Government said it would send additional drones to Ukraine to help the country in its war against Russia. Canberra also announced new financial sanctions for 90 individuals and 40 entities Russia.
The announcement was made by Australian Prime Minister (PM) Anthony Albanese ahead of the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which began February 24 last year. The individuals and entities targeted by Australia’s latest sanctions include Russian ministers overseeing the energy, resources and industrial sectors.
The sanctions also target key players in defense which include weapons manufacturer Kalashnikov Concern, aerospace company Tupolev and submarine developer Admiralty Shipyards. Albanese said his country would continue to support Ukraine.
“We continue to support Ukraine,” Albanese said in a statement.
“(Unmanned aerial systems) Provide battlefield intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” he added.
Albanese did not specify how many and what model of drones would be delivered to Ukraine. He also did not explain whether the drone was armed or not.
Australia is one of the largest non-NATO countries for Ukraine within a year of Russia’s invasion of its neighbour. Australia has sent humanitarian aid, ammunition and defense equipment. Canberra also banned exports of alumina and aluminum ores, including bauxite, to Russia.
In total, Australia has provided military support worth AUD 500 million for Ukraine. It has also deployed troops to Britain to help train Ukrainian soldiers and imposed sanctions on more than 1,000 Russian individuals and entities.
US Additional Sanctions on Russia
The US also added a new barrage of sanctions against Russia to mark a year of war in Ukraine. The latest sanctions are meant to undermine Moscow’s ability to continue fighting.
Reported ReutersSaturday (25/2/2023), President Joe Biden’s administration delivered the latest sanctions imposition as G7 nations and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met to discuss more aid.
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(haf/haf)
