Richard Marles condemns Russia’s ‘appalling’ nuclear threat and pledges long-term Ukraine support

Deputy prime minister and minister for defence Richard Marles has said Australia understands the war in Ukriane will be protracted and is committed to providing support. Photograph: François Mori/AP

The defence minister, Richard Marles, has condemned the latest nuclear threat from Russia as “appalling”, and says Australia is preparing to support Ukraine for a protracted military conflict.

Speaking on Sunday, the deputy prime minister said the threat from the Russian president Vladimir Putin last week to use the country’s nuclear arsenal as part of its ongoing war with Ukraine could “not be allowed to stand”.