Australian officials are seeking to verify reports of the use of chemical weapons by Russia in Ukraine.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned in a video address of the potential Russian use of chemical weapons, with media reports suggesting they had been used in the battle for the port city of Mariupol.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne says the reports are extremely concerning.
“If they are confirmed that will be a further wholesale breach of international law,” Senator Payne told reporters in Sydney on Tuesday.
“(It’s) a further indication of President Putin and Russia’s absolute violation of every single value and every aspect of the rules-based global order which has stood us in such good stead for so many decades now.”
Australian officials were working with counterparts to determine the veracity of the reports.
Russia has imposed its own sanctions on Australian politicians in retaliation to the Morrison government’s sanctions on Russian elites.
“The sanctions are a badge of honour for Australia standing up for freedom,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.
Senator Payne said the sanctions would not deter Australia from imposing “the maximum possible costs” on Russia over its unlawful invasion.
