Australia imposes sanctions on Russia over Ukraine invasion
ABCPrime Minister Scott Morrison says Australia will join other western nations to impose financial sanctions on Russia, as punishment for its actions in Ukraine. Key points: Australia has imposed travel bans and sanctions on several Russians "aiding" a Ukrainian invasion Sanctions in place in Crimea have been extended to separatist regions in eastern Ukraine Foreign Minister Marise Payne will consider expelling Russia's ambassador if need be Mr Morrison said targeted travel bans and financial sanctions will be imposed on eight individuals on Russia's national security council who are "aiding and abetting" the invasion, and broader sanctions will be extended to the separatist Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. Ministers warn Russia may retaliate for sanctions Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews has warned Russia may hit Australian critical infrastructure with cyber attacks in retaliation for fresh sanctions from the federal government. Mr Morrison said several companies had already been alerted privately of possible attacks from Russia and "other actors". Earlier, Ukraine's representative in Australia, Volodymyr Shalkivskyi, thanked Australia and other countries for their support and said that sanctions should be directed toward the "most-vulnerable" areas of Russia: energy and finance.