Australia-Russia relations
Contact between Australia and Russia began in 1807, when the Russian naval vessel Neva arrived in Sydney. Consular relations began in 1857 and formal diplomatic relations in 1942. Australia established an Embassy in Russia in 1943 and has an Honorary Consul in St Petersburg. The Russian Federation has an Embassy in Canberra, a Consulate-General in Sydney, an Honorary Consul in Adelaide and an Honorary Consul-General in Brisbane. Approximately 98,000 Australians claim Russian ancestry, according to the 2021 Census.
Invasion of Ukraine by Russia
Australia joins our partners in condemning Russia's unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine. The invasion is a breach of international law, including the UN Charter, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Australia stands in staunch support of Ukrainians together with the international community, including by imposing coordinated sanctions and measures to inflict a cost to those who bear responsibility, and providing humanitarian assistance to support those in greatest need.
Media releases and statements as well as information on sanctions and Australia’s humanitarian assistance can be found here.
The Australian Government has limited all bilateral cooperation with Russia since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Australia only engages bilaterally with Russia when it is critical to delivering on our national interests, such as ensuring the safety of Australian citizens, as well as the security and ongoing operations of our diplomatic presence in Russia.
The Australian Government asked all state, territory and local governments and public universities to put on hold existing bilateral cooperation with the Russian government, including Russian subnational government entities, and to reconsider new engagement.
For more information see the Foreign Arrangements Scheme or contact the Foreign Arrangements Taskforce in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at [email protected].
The latest travel advice for Russia is available here.