Morrison warns of retaliatory Russian cyberattacks

Australian Prime Minister on Wednesday accused Russia of behaving like "thugs and bullies," and suggested newly imposed sanctions may draw retaliation in form of cyberattacks. "We can't have some suggestion that Russia has some just case here that y're prosecuting," Scott Morrison told reporters in Sydney.

"y're behaving like thugs and bullies, and y should be called out as thugs and bullies." ding, "we have alrey been taking action on cyber defences and that has been done privately alrey, with many companies alerting m to risk of potential counter-responses by Russia and or actors in response to se decisions."

He also said that targeted financial sanctions and travel bans will be first batch of measures in response to Russian aggression toward Ukraine. Morrison mitted that although Australia doesn't have vast amounts of tre with Russia, he felt it important that country takes its place on world stage.

"It's important that we play our part in broer international community to ensure that those who are financing, profiting from an autocratic and authoritarian regime that is inving its neighbour should have nowhere to run and nowhere to hide when it comes to trying to move ir money around and avoid consequences of supporting this of behaviour," he said.

PM also highlighted his request for visa applications from Ukrainians to move to top of pile. "I've also instructed today Minister for Immigration (Alex Hawke) to accelerate conclusion of Ukrainian visa applications to Australia," he said.

Australia and Russia have imposed sanctions on each or since 2014. sanctions were initiated by Australia in protest of Russian involvement in Ukraine conflict. National Security Committee of Morrison's Cabinet approved sanctions and travel bans that target eight members of Russian Security Council. y also agreed to expand previous sanctions and to align with United States and Britain by targeting Russian banks.