Russia has launched a major military operation in Ukraine with Ukraine’s President Zelensky confirming reports of missile strikes in the country, according to media reports.
According to CNN, Ukraine’s Interior Ministry says there have already been hundreds of casualties.
Condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said, “There is no justification for this aggression, whose cost will be borne by innocent Ukrainians. Vladimir Putin has fabricated a feeble pretext on which to invade. Russia’s disinformation and propaganda has convinced no one.”
In a statement, Morrsion said, “We call on Russia to cease its illegal and unprovoked actions, and to stop violating Ukraine’s independence. Russia must reverse its breach of international law and of the UN Charter, and withdraw its military from Ukraine. We reiterate our staunch support for Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity – the bedrock principles of a rules-based world order. Russia’s actions are of deep concern to Australians – especially those who have family and loved ones there.”
Australia will continue playing its part to ensure Russia pays the high price this invasion warrants.
“We will place financial sanctions on an additional 25 persons and four entities who have been responsible for the unprovoked and unacceptable aggression. We will put restrictions on Australians investing in a further four financial institutions.
“We will be working with like-minded countries on further consequences for Russia.
“The Australian Government will continue working with our partners to keep Australians safe and defend our values and principles,” the Prime Minister said.
Other world leaders have also condemned the ‘unprovoked’ attack. US President Joe Biden on Twitter said, “Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will hold Russia accountable.”
The UK said, “We stand with Ukraine and we will work with our international partners to respond to this terrible act of agression.”
Meanwhile, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, in a statement said, “This overt act of aggression by the Russian Federation will cause harm and untold suffering to thousands, if not millions of people. This will be a distressing time for Victorian Ukrainian and Russian communities… We should always look to peaceful resolutions of conflicts, not violence and aggression.”
In a show of support for the people of Ukraine and their families and friends living in Victoria, tonight public buildings in Melbourne’s CBD will be lit up in blue and yellow.
Lighting up public buildings in blue and yellow is just one small thing we can do to show our support as a government and a state, Andrews said.
“Whatever happens today, or in the days to come, we stand ready to support these communities,” the Premier said.
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