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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Josh Butler and Sarah Martin

Australian online anti-vaccine groups switch to Putin praise and Ukraine conspiracies

Anti-vaxx protesters outside Parliament House in Canberra
Anti-vaxx protesters outside Parliament House. Telegram channels previously dedicated to anti-vaccine sentiment have been flooded with content praising Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

Australian anti-vaxxer groups are awash with conspiracy theories praising Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as an attack on the “deep state”, with some followers of the Covid-sceptic movement expressing admiration for Vladimir Putin.

Separately, just days after the United Australia party disendorsed a candidate in Melbourne for his pro-Putin views, the party is now facing questions about another candidate apparently defending the Russian president.

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