TRANSCRIPT
- The second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine marked with rallies around Australia
- Residents describe the impact of a large bushfire in Victoria's west
- Team Australia aiming for a win at this weekend's Sail Grand Prix in Sydney
Supporters of Ukraine are marking the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with rallies in Canberra and around Australia.
These attendees at the Canberra rally say it is critical Australia ensures there is ongoing money and equipment to help Ukraine.
Male attendee: "For my family, the war started much earlier. Today is exactly 10 years here from that day when Crimea was occupied by Russia, by Putin. And my wife is from Crimea. And it's a really awful day for us."
Female attendee 1: "I am Russian. I am going to prove I am alive. But Russia don't pay my pension. They spent my pension to war. And I am against it."
Female attendee 2: "The main thing is to keep supporting them, to make sure they have enough ammunition; and to make sure they have enough vehicles. We can't forget Ukraine. They were neglected after the first and second World War. They were really suffering. And I am just glad that my elderly relatives aren't here to see it happening all over again. It is a very emotional time for us."
The United States announced further sanctions against Russia, targeting more than 500 people and entities.
The Australian government has also announced further financial sanctions and travel bans, affecting 55 people and 37 entities connected to Russia.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong says two years on since Russia's full-scale invasion, Australia stands unwavering in support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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Switzerland has told the United Nations it intends to organise a high-level Ukraine peace conference later this year.
It comes as the 193-member world body met to mark the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine is seeking to rally support for President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's 10-point peace plan amid signs of war fatigue as the frontlines remain largely unchanged - and the war in Gaza has become a more pressing focus of global attention.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the UN meeting, it is "high time for peace" in Ukraine.
"Two years on and the decade since Russia's attempted illegal annexation of Ukraine's Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sebastopol, the war in Ukraine remains an open wound at the heart of Europe. It is hight time for peace, a just peace based on the United Nations charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions."
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A large bushfire in Victoria's west that forced the evacuation of residents from more than 20 small towns has destroyed at least three homes.
Around 500 firefighters have managed to slow the spread of the fire but emergency services warn the conditions can change at any time.
The Country Fire Authority confirmed the blaze west of Ballarat, which spans more than 15 hectares, has also claimed sheds and other outbuildings.
Residents have been told to stay away until it is safe to return.
Resident Kevin Wild in Bayindeen, near Mount Cole, told SBS, the impact of the fire has been devastating.
"(The fire) blocked off the highway so it has been a massive firefront. And fires they just run up mountains. When you got winds that are coming in this direction - and then they make their own wind. So it went straight up here - and embers from here, bits of bark and stuff that caught fire get up into the atmosphere."
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Detectives are continuing their search for a missing Sydney couple after a serving police officer charged with their murder was refused bail.
Beaumont Lamarre-Condon handed himself in to police on Friday and was later charged with two counts of murder, following the disappearance of former Ten reporter Jesse Baird, and Qantas flight attendant Luke Davies.
Constable Lamarre-Condon did not make a bail application at Waverley Local Court.
The next court date is set for April 23 at Downing Centre Local Court.
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In sailing, Australia is competing against nine other nations to hold its ranking at the top of the Sail Grand Prix overall rankings.
The three-time back-to-back champions are six points ahead of New Zealand.
Australia driver Tom Slingsby says he hopes further gains can be made with this weekend's competition happening in Sydney.
He says the team is aiming to win a Grand Prix for the first time this year.
"No we haven't. It's a bit frustrating. I can't sit here and play the poor guy who hasn't won an event. We're leading the series. We've had six podiums this season. We're sailing the best we've ever sailed. And we've just got to be happy we're sailing really well. We haven't got the win yet. But it's coming."
And that's the latest from the SBS Newsroom.
