Australia Slaps Sanctions On More Russian State-Owned Entities

Australia on Thursday imposed additional financial sanctions on 14 Russian state-owned enterprises of strategic and economic importance.

The latest listings include defense-related entities such as transportation company Kamaz and shipping companies SEVMASH and United Shipbuilding Corporation, Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in a statement.

The sanctions extend to Ruselectronics, a firm that produces 80% of Russian electronics components, and Russian Railways, which is one of the world's largest transportation companies and one of the largest single contributors to Russia's GDP, read the statement.

"Our targeting of Russia's state-owned enterprises in coordination with key partners undermines their capacity to boost the Russian economy … increasing the pressure on Russia and undercutting its ability to continue funding (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's war," said Payne.

She said Australia reiterates its call for Russia to "withdraw its military forces immediately from Ukraine."

"The Australian government reiterates unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and for the people of Ukraine," Payne added.

At least 1,932 civilians have been killed and 2,589 injured in Ukraine since Russia started the war on its neighbor on Feb. 24, according to UN estimates, with the true figure feared to be much higher.

More than 4.6 million Ukrainians have fled to other countries, with over 7 million more internally displaced, said the UN refugee agency.

Writing by Islamuddin Sajid -