National

Morrison speaks with Ukraine president

By AAP Newswire

Mar 6, 2022

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has told Prime Minister Scott Morrison in a phone call he deeply appreciates Australia's military and humanitarian assistance after his country was invaded by Russian forces.

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Mr Zelenskiy tweeted on Saturday night that he had updated Mr Morrison on the course of the war "as well as risks to people and the environment due to the threat to Ukrainian nuclear and chemical facilities".

Foreign Minister Marise Payne had earlier expressed Australia's concerns over shelling and a fire at a building near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant on Friday.

The fire was extinguished and international nuclear experts later said the facility was safe, with no radiation spikes reported.

Mr Zelenskiy said he deeply appreciated the military and humanitarian support from Australia, according to an official readout of the call, while Mr Morrison told him Australia stood with Ukraine against Russia's aggression and unprovoked assault.

The prime minister also praised Ukraine's incredible courage and condemned Russia's actions on behalf of all Australians.

Australia is also supporting resolutions in the United Nations and backing International Criminal Court action in support of Ukraine.

The government has told superannuation funds it has a "strong expectation" they would review their investment portfolios and divest any holdings of Russian assets.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press