Peter Malinauskas ‘proud’ of being first Premier hit with Russia sanctions

Premier Peter Malinauskas has been named among 121 prominent Australians sanctioned by Moscow overnight – and he’s wearing it as a badge of honour.

Premier Peter Malinauskas has declared he “won’t be bullied” by Russian president Vladimir Putin after he became the first state leader to be sanctioned by Moscow on Thursday night.

The Advertiser editor Gemma Jones has also been included in the list of defence officials, businessmen and reporters sanctioned by the Russian government.

The blacklist of 121 people is in response to the “growing sanctions of the Australian government, which apply to an increasing number of Russian citizens,” the Russian foreign ministry said.

Those on the list, including Defence Force Chief General Angus Campbell, are barred from entering Russia “indefinitely”.

Moscow accused those on the list of a “Russophobic agenda”.

Other former South Australians on the list include News Corp Australia executive chairman Michael Miller, Herald Sun editor Sam Weir, The Australian editor-in-chief Christopher Dore and chief defence scientist Tanya Monro.

The Advertiser Foundation has been running a prominent campaign to assist Ukrainian refugees settle in SA, handing out $170,000 in financial help to those fleeing the war.

Mr Malinauskas took the Kremlin’s sanctioning in his stride, declaring he would continue to stand up for democracy.

Arriving at Parliament House in Canberra for a National Cabinet meeting on Friday morning, Mr Malinauskas said he was “a bit proud” to learn he was sanctioned.

“It’s fair to say that travelling to Russia wasn’t on my to-do list,” he said.

“Our 10th wedding anniversary celebrations (with wife Annabel) weren’t planned to be spent in Siberia, so I’m not too fussed.”

Mr Malinauskas said it appeared Russia’s decision was made in response to his government’s “strong stance in standing up for Ukraine”.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said he was “proud” to be sanctioned by Russia. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The Premier cited his legislation to ban state government investment in Russian assets and sending medical equipment to Ukraine as reasons for the sanctions, as well as welcoming Ukrainian refugees and advocating for an increased intake of those fleeing the war.

Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, also addressed state cabinet last month.

“Vladimir Putin, I won’t be bullied. The South Australian Government won’t be bullied,” Mr Malinauskas said.

“What we’re dealing with here is a Russian aggressor led by a thug – it needs to be called out.”

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