Australia imposes sanctions against persons involved in breaching Ukraine's sovereignty

Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Isabel Bishop says that Australia has decided to impose visa restrictions and financial sanctions against citizens of Russia and Ukraine who are accountable for breaching the sovereignty of Ukraine, the press service of Australian Foreign Affairs Minister has announced.

Julie Isabel said that voting on the 16th march in Crimea was held under the pressure of the Russian troops and so that does not have legitimacy.

The envoy explained that the visa bans and financial sanctions could touch 12 citizens of Ukraine and Russia.

The minister also stated that the Australian Government presently has good relations with the international society, allies and friends, counting the ones that are in the UN Security Council, where Australia is a permanent member and it expresses its firm objection against Russia’s actions affecting Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Previously, news reports from Ukraine had stated that Australia is willing and ready to extend visas for citizens of Ukraine who are temporarily staying in Australia, due to the situation that is prevailing in Crimea.

Crimea’s invasion by Russia is in violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, and it is being criticized by the international community. Many are of the opinion that there needs to be a referendum on Crimea’s status.