Yesterday, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Ukraine’s capital Kyiv, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and expressed Australia’s support for Ukraine.
During the visit, Prime Minister Albanese saw first-hand some of the devastation caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“Russia’s brutal invasion is a gross violation of international law. I saw first-hand the devastation and trauma it has inflicted on the people of Ukraine.”
Following President Zelenskyy’s request for further support, the Prime Minister announced Australia will prohibit imports of Russian gold to reduce Russia’s ability to fund its war, joining other countries including Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom and United States.
According to April 2022 data by Trading Economics, Australia imported non-monetary gold at a value of $602 million, down from $672 million in March. The total value of goods imported from Russia was $558.85 million in 2021.
The Prime Minister also announced duty free access for Ukrainian imports to Australia, complementing similar trade measures taken by other nations, including the UK and the EU.
“My visit to Kyiv and recent visits by other world leaders sends a clear message that democratic nations like Australia will stand side-by-side with the Ukrainian people in their time of need,” he said.
