Australia imposes sanctions on 180 individuals, entities, ‘shadow fleet vessels’ linked to Russia

By Anadolu staff

ISTANBUL (AA) - Australia on Tuesday imposed fresh sanctions targeting 180 individuals, entities and “shadow fleet vessels” linked to Russia on the fourth anniversary of the ongoing war between Moscow and Kyiv.

The new measures were unveiled in a joint statement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Defense Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

The government said it is Australia’s “single largest sanctions package” since February 2022.

The sanctions focus on Russia’s finance and banking, defense, aeronautics, oil and gas, transportation, and science and technology sectors.

For the first time, Australia has also sanctioned cryptocurrency entities that it says enable cross-border transactions, helping Moscow bypass existing restrictions and maintain its military campaign.

With the latest round of measures, Australia has now imposed more than 1,800 sanctions in response to Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Canberra also reduced the Russian oil price cap from $47.60 per barrel to $44.10.

Since the war started, Australia’s total assistance to Ukraine has surpassed 1.7 billion Australian dollars ($1.2 billion), including more than 1.5 billion Australian dollars allocated for military support.

“We will continue to take action to place further pressure on Russia’s oil revenue, and we expect businesses to prevent their supply chains from inadvertently funding Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine,” the statement said.

Australian officials also urged Moscow to end the war without delay and to meet its international legal obligations, including safeguarding civilians and ensuring proper treatment of prisoners of war.