The secretary of Australia's foreign affairs department, Kathryn Campbell, has discussed the Ukrainian situation, along with peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and ongoing support for Tonga with US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman.
"They highlighted their ongoing commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia's unprovoked military buildup," a readout of the meeting said.
"Deputy Secretary Sherman and Secretary Campbell reiterated their commitment to continuing to advance peace, security, and prosperity to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific."
The meeting between the two came as the UK's defence and foreign affairs secretaries landed in Australia to hold ministerial talks with their counterparts - the first in the country since the pandemic began.
Speaking ahead of his meeting with British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, Defence Minister Peter Dutton said the UK continued to have one eye on Ukraine and Europe and one eye on the Pacific.
"The UK will play a big role in trying to deter Russia in whatever action they're thinking about in regard to the Ukraine," he told Sydney radio station 2GB on Thursday.
"That is a huge concern for the UK and for the world at the moment and everyone is watching closely."
Foreign Minister Marise Payne spoke with her Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba on Wednesday, saying Australia would support US and European action to deter Russian aggression against Ukraine.
"I reaffirmed Australia's steadfast support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Senator Payne said on Twitter following the call.
Australia's ambassador to Ukraine, Bruce Edwards, was more resolute, saying the country would be prepared to use additional autonomous sanctions if warranted.
22°C