Russia has imposed sanctions on 235 Australians, including high-profile politicians.

In response to what it perceives as an “anti-Russia agenda” promoted by certain Australian municipal councils, Russia has added a string of significant figures from both Victoria and South Australia to its ‘stop list’. 

The sanctions target Daniel Andrews, former Premier of Victoria, as well as John Pesutto, the Leader of the Opposition in Victoria, alongside other notable Victorian politicians such as Ben Carroll (Deputy Premier), Tim Pallas (Treasurer), Jaclyn Symes (Attorney-General), Paul Mercurio (Labor MP), Moira Deeming (Independent), and James Merlino (former Deputy Premier).

From South Australia, the sanctions extend to Stephen Marshall (Liberal former premier), Susan Close (current Deputy Premier), Stephen Mullighan (Treasurer), Tom Koutsantonis (Energy Minister), Chris Picton (Health Minister), David Speirs (Leader of the Opposition) and Natalie Cook (Minister for Human Services).

The Russian Foreign Ministry’s statement says that these bans are retaliatory, aimed at individuals involved in promoting policies adverse to Russian interests. 

This action is framed as a countermeasure to the sanctions imposed by Australia on Russian individuals and legal entities, reflecting an ongoing pattern in international relations where geopolitical conflicts are met with travel bans and other sanctions.

This development marks a significant escalation in the diplomatic tensions between the two nations. 

Russia says it will continue updating the list periodically. Inclusion on the list is likely to be worn as a badge of honour among some of those named.