Australia evicts Russian squatter-diplomat, pledges US$73 million aid to Ukraine

Moscow dispatched a mystery diplomat to squat at the site of a proposed new embassy in Canberra last week, but his stay ended up being short lived

A court ruled on Monday that Russia must vacate the site, as PM Albanese announced a new support package, including more military vehicles, to Ukraine

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A Russian diplomat leaves a plot of land in Canberra on Monday after Moscow’s attempts to build a new embassy in the Australian capital suffered a legal blow. Photo: AFP

Published: 1:04pm, 26 Jun 2023

Russia’s bid to build a new embassy near Australia’s parliament suffered a legal blow on Monday, with a top court backing the government’s effort to seize the land, as Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged a new A$110 million (US$73.4 million) package to Ukraine.

Australia has blocked Russia from building a new embassy in Canberra, after intelligence agencies warned it could be used as a base to spy on lawmakers.

Russia last week launched a last-minute injunction to hold on to the land, while dispatching a mystery diplomat to squat there as the legal tussle played out.

But Australia’s high court ruled on Monday morning that Russia had to vacate the site, at least until the case returns to court for more detailed legal arguments.

Pro-Russia activists demonstrate outside the Australian prime minister’s official residence in Sydney on Saturday to protest against the decision to block a new Russian embassy. Photo: AFP

The squatter-diplomat was seen exiting the site soon after the ruling, before being whisked away in a diplomatic vehicle.