Australia to impose ‘immediate’ sanctions on Russia as Ukraine situation intensifies

Australia will impose “immediate” sanctions on Russia, the Prime Minister has confirmed.

It comes as the situation in Ukraine grows increasingly tense.

“This invasion is unjustified, unwarranted, unprovoked and unacceptable,” Scott Morrison said on Wednesday.

The sanctions will target Russian banks, energy, oil, gas and mineral reserves and telecommunications sectors.

The Prime Minister said certain individuals would also be subject to sanctions.

“Australians always stand up to bullies and we will be standing up to Russia,” he said.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said earlier the government was expecting retaliation from Russia, which could take the form of cyber attacks.

“We have already taken action,” the PM said when discussing defence for cyber attacks.

Australian citizens still in Ukraine are being urged to leave as soon as possible.

The PM said Ukrainian visa applications would go “to the top of the pile”.