Australia pleads with Russia to STOP threatening Ukraine at high-stakes international meeting
- Josh Frydenberg has called on Russia to de-escalate its tensions with Ukraine
- The treasurer made the announcement at a G20 meeting in Jakarta on Thursday
- It comes after intelligence found a Russian invasion of Ukraine was imminent
Australia has used a G20 meeting to urge Russia to de-escalate the situation regarding Ukraine.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg told a meeting of G20 finance ministers in Jakarta on Thursday the current tensions surrounding Ukraine were ‘deeply concerning’.
‘We call upon Russia to de-escalate the situation, for the alternative would be disastrous in human and economic terms,’ he said.
‘It is in our collective interest that these tensions are resolved peacefully.’
Prime Minister Scott Morrison told parliament on Wednesday reports of a troop pullback by Russia were ‘unconvincing and unconfirmed’.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg told a meeting of G20 finance ministers in Jakarta on Thursday (pictured) the current tensions surrounding Ukraine were ‘deeply concerning’
Ukrainian Military Forces servicemen of the 92nd mechanized brigade use tanks, self-propelled guns and other armored vehicles to conduct live-fire exercises near the town of Chuguev, in Kharkiv region, on February 10
He urged Russia to unconditionally withdraw and an attack on Ukraine would be met with ‘overwhelming international condemnation’.
Mr Morrison discussed the situation with his British counterpart Boris Johnson in a video meeting on Thursday.
‘They agreed the need for de-escalation and underscored that any further Russian incursion in Ukraine would be a massive strategic mistake and have stark humanitarian cost,’ said a statement issued after the meeting.
It comes after Trade Minister Dan Tehan warned Australia would enact strong economic sanctions against Russia should it invade Ukraine.
‘It is highly likely there would be very strong sanctions against Russia and we’ll have to play our part in that regard,’ he told Sky News on Monday.
‘We want a de-escalation, but if (invasion) happens, then you’ll be looking at sanctions and we’ll be a part of that.’
As tensions in the region heighten, Australian diplomatic staff have been evacuated from the Ukrainian embassy in Kyiv.
They have been directed to a temporary office in Lviv, in western Ukraine.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison told parliament on Wednesday reports of a troop pullback by Russia were ‘unconvincing and unconfirmed’
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