PM convenes security committee on Ukraine
Federal cabinet's national security committee has begun talks to determine what further responses Australia will provide to Ukraine following Russia's invasion.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison convened the committee on Tuesday morning to finalise what lethal aid Australia will send and consider other measures.
The aid will come on top of the $4 million already pledged to military assistance through NATO's Ukraine trust fund.
However, national security considerations could prevent the prime minister from disclosing what lethal aid would be provided.
The head of the Ukrainian embassy in Canberra welcomed any support from Australia, saying military support will make a huge difference after initial missile strikes from Russia targeted the country's military infrastructure.
"That is why it is crucial for us to have reliable support," Charge d'Affaires Volodymyr Shalkivskyi said.
"Thanks to the international community, our partners, we are confident that we will not run out of bullets and weapons to defend our country."
Mr Shalkivskyi said it was important that Australians complied with legislation after around 20 people had contacted the Ukrainian embassy on Monday morning to inquire about heading overseas to fight.
"I feel really pleased to hear such words of support. At the same time, it's important to carefully evaluate how you can proceed," he said.
It comes as Ukraine's President Volorymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree temporarily lifting entry visa requirements for foreigners willing to join Ukraine's defence force and fight against Russian troops.
The decree took effect from Tuesday and will remain in place as long as martial law is in place in Ukraine.
Mr Morrison urged Ukrainians in Australia not to fly to Ukraine to fight in the conflict.
"At this time, the legality of such actions are uncertain under Australian law," he said on Monday.
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese also reiterated calls for Australians not to travel to Ukraine in light of the invasion.
"The travel advice from Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is to not travel to Ukraine, we would urge everyone, as we always do, to heed that advice," he told reporters in Melbourne on Tuesday.
"Vladimir Putin's extraordinary comments about nuclear weapons is just completely over the top, this guy just needs to back off and needs to get the message that he is isolated in the world."
The Labor leader said the opposition strongly supported the sanctions Australia had carried out against Russia, alongside international partners such as the US, UK and European Union.
