Australia imposes fresh sanctions on Russian journalists, officials

By Sumeyye Dilara Dincer

ANKARA (AA) - Australia imposed new sanctions Wednesday on Russian journalists and officials as Russia’s war against Ukraine continues.

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said four journalists and officials, including Rossiya Segodnya International Information Agency Director Dmitry Kiselev, were sanctioned.

All‑Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company war correspondent Yevgeny Poddubny, European Broadcasting Union member Channel One’s host Mikhail Leontyev also found themselves on the sanctions list.

Australia also sanctioned Russian mercenary company, the Wagner Group, and two Belarusian organizations.

At least 3,752 people have been killed and 4,062 injured in Ukraine since the start of Russia’s military operations there began Feb. 24, according to UN estimates. The true toll is believed to be much higher.

More than 6.2 million people have fled to other countries, with 7.7 million people internally displaced, according to the UN refugee agency.