Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison denounced Russia’s decision to send peacekeeping troops to Donetsk and Luhansk in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine on Tuesday, saying, “Some suggestion that they’re peacekeeping is nonsense. They have moved in on Ukrainian sovereign territory. And I hope for the best in terms of the diplomatic efforts that are being pursued.”
Morrison stated that Russia’s decision could lead to a violent confrontation with terrible human consequences. While speaking to reporters in Tasmania, Morrison added, “We cannot have threats of violence being used to seek to advantage nations’ positions over others – that is not a peaceful world order. I can assure that the moment that other countries put in place strong and severe sanctions on Russia, we will be in lock step with them.”
When questioned about former Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s claim that Russia would try to claim Poland and other Baltic nations as well after invading Ukraine, Morrison said he is aware of Abbott’s comments but insisted that the country should focus on the immediate crisis in Ukraine. “Russia should step back, it should unconditionally withdraw back behind its own borders and stop threatening its neighbours,” Morrison went on to say.
Australia’s shadow Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, also condemned Russia’s recognition of the two separatist regions, saying that it violates international norms, the Minsk agreements, and Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Likewise, opposition leader Anthony Albanese reiterated Australia’s support for Ukraine and criticised Russian aggression.
The Australian government’s National Security Committee has reportedly already agreed on a series of potential sanctions against Russia. Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne said the country’s response would be coordinated with its allies, particularly the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK).
Russia’s recognition of two separatist territories of #Ukraine is a violation of international law, Ukraine’s territorial integrity & the Minsk agreement. Russia’s propaganda convinces no one. 🇦🇺 continues to work with partners to ensure severe costs for Russia’s aggression.
— Marise Payne (@MarisePayne) February 21, 2022
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nanaia Mahuta, said that Russia’s actions violate international law and compromise diplomatic efforts undertaken to find a peaceful solution to the current crisis.
Aotearoa New Zealand strongly supports #Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russia’s actions today violate international law and cuts across diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful resolution. #kauparekiterangimarie
— Nanaia Mahuta (@NanaiaMahuta) February 21, 2022
Additionally, Mahuta expressed concern over Russian President Vladimir Putin using the declaration as a pretext to invade Ukraine. “New Zealand has consistently voiced our support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. There is no basis under international law for the recognition of the self-proclaimed ‘Donetsk People’s Republic’ and ‘Luhansk People’s Republic’,” Mahuta added.
Due to the lack of an autonomous sanctions regime, Wellington has fairly limited options to take against Russia’s aggression. This restricts the government from imposing sanctions without approval from the United Nations (UN). “But we do have other avenues to express a way of imposing sanctions - travel bans, export controls and the opportunity to cease government-to-government diplomatic relations. We are not there yet,” Mahuta noted.
Australia's three remaining diplomats in Ukraine are expected to move to Poland as soon as possible, following Russia's decision to send in the military to rebel held regions in the east of the country.
— James Glenday (@jamesglenday) February 22, 2022
Australia and New Zealand’s comments come after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered to send troops to maintain peace in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions after Putin signed a decree to recognise the two territories as independent. Russia’s latest move has angered the West, with a large number of countries announcing new sanctions and urging Putin to engage in diplomacy.