Australia has imposed financial sanctions on 147 more people – including two of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s daughters – in response to the war in Ukraine.
Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne said that Mr Putin’s daughters Katerina, 35, and Maria, 36, along with a daughter of Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, were the latest to be sanctioned in relation to the illegal invasion.
“These listings are consistent with our approach to those who have benefited from the Russian regimen, including immediate family members of those in power,” Senator Payne said.
“The three individuals have been sanctioned by like-minded partners of Australia.”
Mr Putin had two daughters with his ex-wife Lyudmila Shkrebneva and it is possible he has a third with a girlfriend, but this has never been confirmed.
The US and UK earlier this month put sanctions on his two adult children.
Maria is a medical researcher living in Moscow, while Katerina is an acrobatic dancer who divorced Russian billionaire Krill Shamalov about four years ago.
It brings the total number of individuals and entities sanctioned in relation to the way by Australia to 750.
“We will continue to increase costs on Russia, in co-ordination with partners, targeting those who bear responsibility for Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked aggression in Ukraine or hold levers of influence,” Senator Payne said.
The latest round of sanctions also targets 144 Russian senators who approved the illegitimate recognition of independence of the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk on February 22.
Two days later, Mr Putin used this vote to justify the invasion.
Mr Putin and Mr Lavrov were themselves sanctioned by Australia on February 27.
“The Australian government again reiterates our strongest support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and for the people of Ukraine,” Senator Payne said.
“We again call upon Russia to withdraw its military forces immediately from Ukraine.”
