Australian embassy in Ukraine evacuated amid fears of Russian invasion

The prime minister, Scott Morrison, has ordered the evacuation of the Australian embassy in Kyiv, warning the state of affairs in Ukraine has reached a harmful stage.

Australia’s international affairs minister, Marise Payne, says the federal government has directed the departure of embassy workers to a brief workplace in Lviv, with the buildup of Russian troops on the border.

“The state of affairs is deteriorating and is reaching a really harmful stage,” Morrison stated on Sunday.

“I wish to ship a really clear message on behalf of Australia … that the autocratic, unilateral actions of Russia, to be threatening and bullying Ukraine, is one thing that's fully and completely unacceptable.”

He additionally hit again on the Chinese language authorities for criticising Australia for holding talks with the US, Japan and India underneath the Quad grouping, which the prime minister stated was working collectively to advertise peace and prosperity within the area.

“Sure, the Chinese language authorities is joyful to criticise Australia for partaking in such peaceable actions however but stays chillingly silent on Russian troops amassing on the Ukrainian border,” Morrison stated.

Armoured automobiles on the Gozhsky coaching floor throughout Russia-Belarus navy drills. Russia has massed troops close to the Ukraine border and has despatched troops to workouts in neighbouring Belarus however denies that it intends to launch an offensive in opposition to Ukraine. Photograph: AP

Opposition chief Anthony Albanese stated Russia ought to “again off”.

“The threats and intimidation that’s occurring to a sovereign state just like the Ukraine are totally inappropriate in 2022,” he advised Sky Information.

“We respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, and that ought to be revered by all, together with Russia.”

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Senator Payne stated the federal government continues to advise Australians to depart Ukraine instantly by business means.

“Safety circumstances may change at quick discover. Russian navy motion in Ukraine will severely restrict our skill to offer consular help to Australians,” she stated.

“We stay in shut contact with our 5 Eyes (intelligence alliance) and different like-minded companions on the bottom.”

She stated Australians in Ukraine searching for consular help ought to name the Australian Authorities 24 hour consular emergency centre on 1300 555 135 or +61 2 6261 3305 outdoors Australia.