Ukraine, Russia war: Scott Morrison calls national security meeting

Prime Minister Scott Morrison convened Australia’s peak security committee to action further responses to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Cabinet’s national security committee was expected to finalise on Tuesday what lethal aid Australia will provide Ukraine, with the federal government already pledging $4 million in military assistance through NATO’s trust fund for Ukraine.

But Mr Morrison says national security considerations may prevent him from publicly disclosing what lethal aid Australia would be sending.

Australia’s Parliament House illuminated with the colours of Ukraine’s national flag on Monday

‘I don’t want to flag that (there) will soon be a list that we may provide,’ he said.

‘We will consider that as we work through those issues but the lethal aid support sees us step up again together with the rest of the world.’

The head of the Ukrainian embassy in Canberra welcomed any support from Australia, saying military support will make a huge difference after initial missile strikes from Russia targeted the country’s military infrastructure.

‘That is why it is crucial for us to have reliable support,’ Charge d’Affaires Volodymyr Shalkivskyi said.

‘Thanks to the international community, our partners, we are confident that we will not run out of bullets and weapons to defend our country.’

Mr Shalkivskyi said ordinary men in Ukraine had already taken up the fight, ensuring Russia’s plan for a swift invasion and to install a pro-Russian puppet government had failed.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison (pictured) convened Australia’s peak security committee to action further responses to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

‘We have strong morale among our soldiers and officers,’ he said.

‘We are a young, liberal democracy with a huge history that goes to the ancient times. There were a number of invasions in our history but eventually, all of them failed.’

Canberra’s Parliament House was lit up overnight with the colours of the Ukrainian flag to show support for the country’s people and government.

Mr Shalkivskyi said the display of the Ukrainian flag was a symbol of solidarity with the people of Ukraine ‘who stand for the principles of freedom’.

Australia has already slapped sanctions on Russian elites, including President Vladimir Putin, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu.

All members of the Russian security council and 339 members of its parliament have also been sanctioned, as have key Belarusian individuals.

Military and financial entities across both countries have also been targeted.

The federal government has also updated its travel advice to Russia, urging Australians not to go to the country and for citizens to leave as soon as possible.

The prime minister urged Ukrainians in Australia not to fly to Ukraine to fight in the conflict.

‘At this time, the legality of such actions are uncertain under Australian law,’ he said.

Charred military vehicles and rubble are seen in Bucha, Ukraine on Sunday

Mr Shalkivskyi said it was important that Australians complied with the legislation after around 20 people had contacted the Ukrainian embassy on Monday morning to inquire about heading overseas to fight.

‘I feel really pleased to hear such words of support. At the same time, it’s important to carefully evaluate how you can proceed,’ he said.

‘We appreciate such willingness from Australian people to help Ukraine to defend our country (but) there are different ways to support our military and to protect our civilians (like) financial assistance, humanitarian aid.’

Russian invaded Ukraine – which used to be part of the Soviet Union until it collapsed in 1991 – on Thursday after building up troops since November.

Putin wants to stop it joining the anti-Russian alliance Nato.