Today, the President of Ukraine, His Excellency Mr Volodymyr Zelenskyy, will address the Australian Parliament by video link at 5.30pm Canberra time.
Australians have been inspired by President Zelenskyy’s resilience and courage, as he, his Government and the people of Ukraine defend their homeland against Russia’s brutal, illegal and unjustified invasion.
Australia stands with Ukraine against Russia’s aggression.
We are providing $91 million in military assistance, $65 million in humanitarian assistance, 70,000 tonnes of thermal coal to meet Ukraine’s energy needs, as well as temporary protection visas and support for Ukrainian community groups in Australia.
We continue to work with partners to impose the maximum costs against Russia, through targeted sanctions on individuals and entities, the prohibition of energy, oil and gas products from Russia, and a ban on exports of alumina and bauxite to Russia.
This includes listing more than 500 individuals and entities to date. This is the largest ever imposition of sanctions by Australia against a single country.
Our sanctions target President Putin and his circle of oligarchs and propagandists, military commanders and members of Parliament, as well as those who facilitated the invasion from outside Russia, including the leadership of neighbouring Belarus.
Our listings include 80 percent of Russia’s banking sector and all government entities that handle Russia’s sovereign debt.
Our co-ordinated action with partners significantly undermines Russia’s ability to continue financing President Putin’s war.
Members of Parliament and Senators will be joined for the address in the Chamber by representatives from the Ukrainian Embassy, Ukrainian-Australian community, and Embassies from around the world.
I invite all Australians to watch President Zelenskyy’s remarks at 5.30pm AEDT, which will be livestreamed on APH’s website https://www.aph.gov.au/News_and_Events/LiveMediaPlayer?vID={25C0C2C3-347D-4818-AFAB-3F79D81937DC
