Updated ,first published
Russia’s top diplomat in Australia has been called in for a dressing down over Moscow’s vow to launch a blizzard of strikes across the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, which included a warning to foreign diplomats to leave the city.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Monday that its nation’s armed forces were beginning to launch “consistent and systematic strikes” at Ukrainian defence industry sites in Kyiv, with a focus on drone manufacturing facilities.
“Due to the fact that the above-mentioned facilities are scattered across [Kyiv], we are notifying foreign citizens, including the personnel of diplomatic missions and international investigations, of the need to leave the city as soon as possible,” the statement said.
Diplomatic sources said Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade officials had rebuked Russian ambassador Mikhail Petrakov in Canberra over the threats in a meeting on Wednesday.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said: “Russia’s continued attacks against, and intimidation of, Ukraine are totally unacceptable.
“These threats directed at foreign embassies and international organisations in Kyiv are a further demonstration of Russia’s complete disregard for international law and civilian safety.
“Australia stands steadfast in its support for Ukraine and we call on Russia to end its illegal and immoral invasion.”
A barrage of attacks on the weekend by Russia involving dozens of drones and missiles killed four people and caused widespread damage across Kyiv.
Among the weapons Russia fired was its Oreshnik hypersonic missile, which can travel 10 times the speed of sound and is capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
Australia joined around 50 nations to issue a statement at the United Nations accusing Russia of reaching “a new and appalling level of aggression against Ukraine” by further intensifying its attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure.
“We also condemn recent threats by Russia to diplomatic institutions and embassies in Kyiv. This is something that we cannot accept,” the countries said.
Kateryna Argyrou, chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations, said she was stunned by the ferocity of Russia’s attacks during a visit to Ukraine last month.
“Every city was under missile and drone attack – it was a feeling of armageddon,” she said.
“You could really tell people were physically exhausted by being under constant stress. Before, the mood was one of resilience and defiance.”
Petrakov arrived in Australia last September, replacing former ambassador Alexey Pavlovsky.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko used a speech to a defence conference in Perth this week to urge Australia to learn from Ukraine’s experience defending against Russian missile and drone attacks.
Australia and Ukraine have been working for several months on a bilateral security treaty that could deepen collaboration between the two nations.
“Ukraine stands ready to help Australia and the Indo-Pacific,” Myroshnychenko said.
“Ukraine is ready, willing and able to exchange hard-won battlefield knowledge, operational experience and defence technology expertise for the kinds of military support Ukraine still cannot generate alone.“
Urging the Albanese government to provide more military support to Ukraine, he said: “Ukraine is now able to work with Australia not as a supplicant but as a genuine defence and security partner.”
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Matthew Knott is the foreign affairs and national security correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.Connect via X, Facebook or email.