Australia tightens sanctions against Russia - govt statement

WASHINGTON. Feb 24 (Interfax) - The Australian government has endorsed additional financial restrictions and a travel ban on 70 individuals, as well as financial restrictions on 79 entities from Russia, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Defense Minister Richard Marles said in a joint statement.

"This constitutes Australia's largest sanctions package since February 2022," the statement said.

The package marks an anniversary of the Russian special military operation in Ukraine, the statement said.

The sanctions apply to individuals supporting "Russia's illegal administrations in eastern Ukraine and Crimea," individuals and legal entities "involved in deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea," and "those spreading disinformation to undermine Ukraine and governments around the world."

The sanctions are imposed on "Russia's defense, transport and finance sectors" and ban to supply of commercial unmanned aerial vehicles and their component parts to Russia.

"Working with Ukraine and our partners, Australia supports a just and lasting peace for Ukraine," the statement said.