Russia had brought back “the worst pages of the 20th century” and “the evil that humanity thought they had forgotten about a long time ago”,especially with its threats to use nuclear weapons.
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“But the most terrible thing:if we don’t stop Russia now,if we don’t hold Russia accountable,some other countries of the world who are looking forward to similar war against their neighbours will decide that such things are possible for them as well,” he said.
Australia,the US and others have previously warned that China could be emboldened by Russia’s actions.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s welcoming remarks drew on Australia’s shared history with Ukraine over the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17,which killed 298 civilians.
Mr Zelensky also referenced the tragedy,offering his condolences to all those who had lost relatives but also decrying the failure to hold Russia to account for its part.
Eight years on,justice hasn’t been achieved,he said,asking how many more tragedies Russia would create before that happened.
“The unpunished evil comes back and,I would say,unpunished evil comes back with inspiration,with the feeling of almightiness,” he said.
“If the world had punished Russia in 2014 for what it did,there wouldn’t be any of this terror of invasion in Ukraine in 2022.”
Mr Morrison promised the new military assistance ahead of Mr Zelensky’s speech.
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“We stand with you,Mr President,and we do not stand with the war criminal of Moscow,” he said.
The government won’t provide specific details about the new package or when it will be delivered,at the Ukrainians’ request. It has flagged further support could be sent as the conflict progresses.
Mr Morrison also announced an additional tariff of 35 per cent for all imports from Russia and Belarus,which will take effect from Anzac Day.
A ban on imports of oil and other energy products from those countries will also start on April 25.
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese said Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s attempt to divide the west had in fact drawn countries closer together and strengthened a shared commitment to the values of freedom and democracy.
“As you stand up to this latest tyrant you are showing us what true courage is,” he told Mr Zelensky.
Jacqueline Maley cuts through the noise of the federal election campaign with news,views and expert analysis. Sign up to our Australia Votes 2022 newsletterhere.