‘Pay a price’: Albo takes aim at Putin during security talks

Anthony Albanese has delivered a firm message to Russia during security talks with Australia’s closest military allies.

Anthony Albanese said Russia should “pay a price” for invading Ukraine, as he attended a meeting of Australia’s key military allies.

Speaking from Japan where Quad security talks are being held, Mr Albanese said in Australia’s view the invasion of Ukraine was “unilateral, illegal, immoral” and an “outrage”.

“The atrocities which are being committed on innocent civilians is something that we couldn’t have expected in the 21st century,” he said.

“Russia must pay a price for its actions - it’s as simple as that.

“These actions are against democratic values, against national sovereignty, against the rule of law, against the very charter of the United Nations and they should be condemned unequivocally and I do so again now.”

Mr Albanese firmly condemned “atrocities” in Ukraine for which he said Russia must pay a price. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)

Mr Albanese, along with US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, were hosted by the Japanese leader Fumio Kishida to discuss shared security concerns and approaches under the Quad partnership.

He noted Australia had supported all of the requests made to it by Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, including providing several Australian-designed Bushmaster armoured vehicles.

“We remain open to any further suggestions of support,” Mr Albanese said.

Mr Albanese described the US as Australia’s “most important ally” and said the meeting - held just days after the election - was an opportunity to show his government’s continued commitment to the Quad.

He said the group had also discussed China’s increasing presence in the Indo-Pacific and the threat that posed to member nations.

The Quad countries will be looking to “engage” more in the Indo-Pacific to assert shared democratic values and counter Chinese influence, Mr Albanese said.

Mr Albanese said the US is Australia’s “most important ally”. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)

“It’s China that’s changed not Australia. It’s China that has placed sanctions on Australia there is no justification for doing that and that’s why they should be removed,” Mr Albanese said.

“The demands which were placed by China are entirely inappropriate. We reject all of them. We’ll determine our own values, we’ll determine Australia’s future direction.”

According to Mr Albanese his party’s more ambitious approach to reducing emissions and serious stance on tackling climate change was welcomed by his Quad counterparts.

“They welcomed it because it will strengthen what is an important issue in the Indo-Pacific. Climate change is not just about the environment but about the shape of our economies and also our national security going forward,” he said.

Australia will host the Quad meeting next year.