Australia Ukraine plan regrettable: envoy

Dominic Giannini | January 26, 2022

Russia’s ambassador in Australia says the country’s decision to withdraw diplomatic staff from its embassy in Ukraine “would be funny if it wasn’t so sad”.

Aleksey Pavlovsky has talked down fears of an invasion of Ukraine, saying there is no intention to go to war as 100,000 troops amass on the border.

“We should use our critical thinking. Isn’t it a funny way to prepare an invasion by just gathering troops on the border and let them sit there for months,” he told the ABC.

“When you prepare an invasion you just do it promptly. These troops are not a threat, they are a warning to Ukraine’s rulers not to attempt any reckless military adventures.”

Mr Pavlovsky said large-scale military exercises are conducted regularly because Russia has to maintain its preparedness.

The Russian ambassador also criticised Australia’s decision to issue a Do Not Travel declaration for Ukraine and its call for citizens in the country to leave.

“(The) decision was a strange one. You can’t help wondering why when all but four diplomatic missions in Kyiv keep working normally,” he said.

“Australia says, No no, you don’t understand you don’t see.’ We from Canberra, we do understand, we see and we start evacuation.” 

Mr Pavlovsky also talked down the impact of sanctions, which have been threatened by western nations including Australia, saying they don’t work. 

“The position of Australia on this is regrettable,” he said.

“I fully understand some countries situated thousands of miles away might find it difficult to appreciate our concerns. But for Russia it is not a situation which is thousands of miles away.”

Tensions in Ukraine have been increasing for months, with the West accusing the Kremlin of preparing for war to prevent Ukraine joining NATO.

Australia’s foreign minister has reiterated support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling for Russia to de-escalate the situation along the eastern European border.

Marise Payne says Australia will consider providing cyber security support and further sanctions on Russia are under review.