Australia has earmarked Russian media personalities, a current and former member of the Ukrainian parliament and an army chief in the latest round of targeted sanctions.
More than two dozen individuals and entities have been sanctioned in the latest round, as the strategic city of Mariupol appears to be on the verge of falling into Russian hands as Ukraine moves to abandon a sprawling steel plant in the port.
The sanctions target the first deputy chief of general staff of Russia's armed forces, Russian journalists and news anchors, acting Russian ministers and a museum director as well as pro-Russian research and cultural institutions.
Australia has now sanctioned more than 800 individuals and 50 entities since Russia's invasion of its neighbour in late February.
The government has also contributed more than $225 million in military assistance, including 20 Bushmaster vehicles, and six M777 howitzers with ammunition.
with AP
