Australia has ramped up its sanctions on Russia in response to its ongoing interference in neighbouring Ukraine.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop on Wednesday said Russia's failure to calm escalating tensions in eastern Europe had prompted her to expand financial sanctions and travel bans on targeted individuals.
"Australia stands united with the Ukrainian people in this ordeal and calls on Russia again to change course," Ms Bishop said in a statement.
"The deliberate destabilisation within Ukraine must stop."
The broadened sanctions regime will now target 50 Russian and Ukrainian individuals - a step up from the 38 people covered under the initial punitive measures announced in March.
Eleven entities will also be targeted.
Ms Bishop urged Russia to abide by its international obligations as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, and restrain those responsible for causing death and violence in Ukraine.
It was in Australia's interest that Ukraine be able to chart its own future, and Ms Bishop welcomed its preparations for presidential elections on May 25.
Share
