“The Australian government has imposed sanctions on another 11 Russian banks and government agencies, so most of the country’s bank assets, as well as all organizations servicing Russia’s sovereign debt, are now subject to our sanctions,” the statement said.
The updated sanctions list includes the National Welfare Fund and the Ministry of Financeas well as Sberbank, Gazprombank, VEB, VTB, Alfabank and other banks.
Australia is now subject to 80% of all Russian bank assets.
The Foreign Ministry also said that Australia continues to increase sanctions on oligarchs closer to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Two billionaires with business interests in Australia have now been added to the 41 oligarchs and their closest relatives, against whom Australia has already imposed financial sanctions and travel bans – Oleg Deripaska and Viktor Wexelberg.
“The Australian Government reaffirms its strong support Ukraine sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the people of Ukraine, “the Foreign Ministry emphasized.
