George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you very much, Senator Bernardi, for that important question. The Australian government is gravely concerned by reports of Russian military activity inside Ukraine and by the decision of the Russian parliament to authorise the use of force. Today, the Minister for Foreign Affairs called the Russian ambassador into the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Officers of the department conveyed the Australian government's views regarding the escalating situation in Ukraine. The United Nations Security Council has met twice within the last 24 hours to discuss the escalating crisis. Australia has made clear our unequivocal support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and that the use of force, or the threat of the use of force, is completely unacceptable. Not only would this be contrary to the Charter of the United Nations but, under a series of international agreements to which it is a party, Russia itself has committed to respect Ukraine's sovereignty.

It is vitally important for the international community to take active and deliberate steps to prevent further escalation of tensions. The Australian government urges the Russian government to abide by its international obligations and calls on the government of the Ukraine, as well, to continue its restraint in the face of this provocation. Australia remains in close contact with friends and allies on the situation, including the United Nations Security Council.