Ukraine invasion: Australia, Japan unveil more Russia sanctions as Scott Morrison slams China for offering Moscow a ‘lifeline’

Canberra imposed fresh sanctions against several Russian lawmakers and oligarchs, while Tokyo’s measures targeted semiconductor exports and financial entities

In an attempt to ease the economic impact of Western sanctions, Beijing approved imports of Russian wheat, which the Australian PM called ‘unacceptable’

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Firefighters battle to extinguish a blaze at a building after bombings on the eastern Ukrainian town of Chuguiv on Thursday. Photo: AFP

Published: 9:56am, 25 Feb 2022Updated: 1:32pm, 9 Mar 2022

Australia and Japan imposed more sanctions on Friday against Russia, and Canberra said it was “unacceptable” that China was easing trade restrictions with Moscow at a time when it invaded Ukraine.

“We will work along with our partners for a rolling wave of sanctions and continuing to ratchet up that pressure on Russia,” Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said during a media conference.

Morrison said the fresh sanctions will be placed against “oligarchs whose economic weight is of strategic significance to Moscow” and over 300 members of the Russian parliament who voted to authorise sending Russian troops into Ukraine.

Australia is also working with the United States to align with their sanctions overnight on key Belarusian individuals and entities who helped Russia and Nato to provide non-lethal equipment and medical supplies for Ukraine, he said.

Morrison voiced concerns over the “lack of strong response” from China and criticised Beijing about reports it had eased trade curbs with Moscow by allowing imports of wheat from Russia.