Home United States USA — Science Australia may expel Russian ambassador after Putin’s nuclear aggression, Penny Wong says

Australia may expel Russian ambassador after Putin’s nuclear aggression, Penny Wong says

100
0
SHARE

Array
The foreign minister, Penny Wong, says the federal government is considering expelling the Russian ambassador as a result of President Vladimir Putin’s nuclear aggression towards Ukraine, as the Coalition opposition steps up calls for further sanctions over the invasion.
Wong said Australia is considering sending further military assistance to Kyiv in the face of Russia’s escalating rhetoric but security and logistical issues were complicating factors.
“These threats are unthinkable and they are irresponsible,” Wong said of Putin’s references to further heightening Russia’s military response.
“His claims of defending Russia’s territorial integrity are untrue. No sham referendum will make them true. Russia alone is responsible for this illegal and immoral war, and peace must first lie with Russia withdrawing from Ukrainian territory.”
Overnight, Putin said in a speech he was prepared to use “all means” to defend the “territorial integrity” of the Russian-occupied lands and their people.
“I want to remind you that our country also has various means of destruction,” Putin said.
“It’s not a bluff.”
The defence minister, Richard Marles, said on Sunday that Australia was considering further military assistance to Ukraine. Wong, in New York City for the UN general assembly, told a press conference the government was working through options.
“We are in contact with our Ukrainian colleagues,” she said.

Continue reading...