Russia Blacklists Australian VC Recipient Amid New Sanctions on Defence Personnel
The Russian Foreign Ministry has expanded its sanctions list, targeting a range of defence industry personnel and public figures in Australia. Announced on October 29, the blacklist now includes 131 Australian citizens, accused by Russia of promoting anti-Russian sentiment.
The newly sanctioned individuals span key Australian defence companies and personnel from all levels of Australian government, as well as the Australian Defence Force, have also been added.
In an official statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry claimed, “In response to politically motivated sanctions against Russian individuals and legal entities by the Australian government, introduced as part of the Russophobic campaign of the ‘collective West,’ entry into the Russian Federation is closed on an indefinite basis for an additional 131 Australians from among representatives of the military-industrial complex, journalists, and public figures who are forming an anti-Russian agenda in this country.”
The ministry further indicated that as long as “official Canberra does not intend to abandon its anti-Russian course,” the Russian blacklist will continue to grow.
Among the notable figures targeted is Victoria Cross recipient Mark Donaldson, who serves on the board of NIOA Group. Additional sanctioned individuals include Western Australia Police Commissioner Col Blanche, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s Marcus Hellyer, Gladstone Regional Council Mayor Matt Burnett, and corrective services ministers from Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia. Former Defence Minister Christopher Pyne and Robert Nioa are also included.
This latest move reflects the deepening strain between Russia and Australia, with both sides continuing to add to their respective sanction lists as geopolitical tensions persist.
How do I get on the list? Who wants to go to Russia anyway?