Scott Morrison has banned Vladimir Putin from travelling to Australia.
The Australian Prime Minister introduced sanctions against his Russian counterpart in response to him invading Ukraine.
The move has been described as 'exceedingly rare', however, Mr Morrison feels it's justified compared to what is happening in Ukraine.
He said in a statement: "We are holding Russian President Vladimir Putin to account for his egregious unjustified war against Ukraine.
"President Putin, Foreign Minister Lavrov and Defence Minister Shoigu are directly responsible for Russia’s unprovoked and unlawful further invasion of Ukraine.
"It is exceedingly rare to designate a head of state, and reflects the depth of our concerns.
"President Putin joins a very small group that includes Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Muammar Gaddafi of Libya and Bashar al-Assad of Syria."
Mr Putin wasn't the only person targeted in the Australian government's sanctions as the ruling has been extended to the Russian Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, Prime Minister and Internal Affairs Minister.
Morrison was shocked to see Putin declare that his country's nuclear deterrent forces 'on alert'.
The Russian President complained about NATO making 'aggressive statements' as well as the West's increasing financial sanctions against Russia.
As a result, he ordered the Russian Defence Minister and the Chief of the military’s General Staff to put the nuclear deterrent forces in a 'special regime of combat duty'.
Morrison says that is an extreme escalation in the situation.
"It's a reckless thing to say in these circumstances," Mr Morrison told 4BC Radio.
"I think the advance in Ukraine has not gone to quite the timetable or plan that I think Russia expected."
In addition to imposing travel and financial sanctions on Putin and high-ranking Russians, Prime Minister Morrison has committed to helping Ukraine.
Australia will send over 'non-lethal aid' to the country, which will include military equipment and medical supplies.
ABC reports the Australian government will be making 'financial contributions' to NATO to help increase their weapons shipments to the frontlines.
Morrison revealed over the weekend: "I've just spoken to the Defence Minister and we'll be seeking to provide whatever support we can for lethal aid through our NATO partners, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom.
"We'll be working through those channels because that's the most effective way to do it."
If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information.
Featured Image Credit: Ian Forsyth/Pool via REUTERS/Alamy
Topics: Australia, Russia, Vladimir Putin
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