Wong slams Russia threats
Tough talk on Putin
PENNY Wong has slammed Vladimir Putin’s “unthinkable and irresponsible” threats of nuclear warfare as the Ukrainian conflict escalates.
The Russian president on Wednesday warned that Moscow was prepared to use its nuclear arsenal to “defend its territory”, as he mobilised 300,000 reservists to join the fight in the wake of fierce Ukrainian counter-offences.
“When the territorial integrity of our country is threatened, we will certainly use all the means at our disposal to protect Russia and our people. This is not a bluff,” Mr Putin said.
Speaking from outside the United Nations General Assembly, hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed world leaders, Senator Wong said the world would not stand for threats from Russia.
“His claims of defending Russia’s territorial integrity are untrue. No sham referendum will make them true,” she said, in reference to snap “referendums” Moscow plans to hold in occupied areas of eastern Ukraine.
“Russia alone is responsible for this illegal and immoral war, and peace must first lie with Russia withdrawing from Ukrainian territory.”
Senator Wong had earlier attended the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty discussions.
“I was reminded that all nations are united in saying we should want a world that is free from this threat. Poignant in the face of the words overnight of a man who’s demonstrated his irresponsibility,” she said.
Her opposition counterpart, Simon Birmingham, echoed Senator Wong’s sentiments, saying any threat regarding the use of nuclear weapons is “deeply disturbing”.
Senator Birmingham called on China to do more to stop Russia from taking any nuclear action.
“We should definitely be encouraging and strongly welcoming any steps that China and others play in relation to urging Russia to cease and desist, and certainly urging Russia not to follow through with any threats in relation to the use of nuclear weapons,” he said.
“We would welcome China playing a greater role.
“China is in a unique position in terms of the influence and sway that they could hold over Russia.
“I would urge them to use that influence, and sway to deliver a peaceful outcome.”