Turnbull’s blunt Putin verdict

Malcolm Turnbull has delivered a blunt assessment of Vladimir Putin in the face of growing approval from some political leaders.

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Picture: AP

Malcolm Turnbull has delivered a blunt assessment of Vladimir Putin in the face of growing approval from some political leaders, declaring he did not admire the Russian President nor consider him a role model.

His comments come after One Nation leader Pauline Hanson heaped praise on Mr Putin and played down criticism of his country’s involvement in the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 by declaring “everyone has done something”.

The comment triggered a passionate response from Bill Shorten, who took to social media to say “murder can’t be shrugged off”.

I'll never forget speaking to the families who had loved ones shot out of the sky. Murder can't be shrugged off. https://t.co/FUUpXIwXjc

— Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) February 9, 2017

“I’ll never forget speaking to the families who had loved ones shot out of the sky,” he said.

The Prime Minister conceded Russia was a “reality” and one of the “great powers” Australia had to deal with but was unequivocal in his view that Mr Putin was not a man he admired, despite politicians from US President Donald Trump down to Senator Hanson expressing their support.

“I don’t admire Vladimir Putin,” the Prime Minister told 3AW radio

“Vladimir Putin has invaded, or taken over, the Crimea from the Ukraine. His forces, backed by him or his government, shot down MH17 and Australians were killed in that act of terrorism.

“The reality is Russia is a major power, we deal with Russia. There are sanctions against Russia because of their unlawful conduct in terms of the Ukraine.”

Appearing yesterday on One Nation’s ‘weekly wrap up’ livestream to discuss the happenings in Parliament House, Labor senator Sam Dastyari said comments Senator Hanson had made earlier in the week about Russia and Mr Putin – who he labelled a “murderous tyrant”- had been “so offensive”.

But Senator Hanson hit back: “You’re picking out something. You think that everything our prime ministers have done has been in the best interests? Everyone has done something.

“I’m not saying I’m supporting him for what he’s done there but overall as a person who is strong and stands up for his country.”

The findings of a 1000-page Dutch report on the destruction of MH17, which killed 298 people, including 38 men, women and children, were consistent with the Australian government’s view that it was shot down with a missile fired from an area held by Russian-backed separatists.