SYDNEY, March 20, 2022 (BSS/AFP) - Australia expanded its sanctions against
Russia over the invasion of Ukraine Sunday, immediately banning all exports
of alumina and bauxite while pledging more weapons and humanitarian
assistance.

   The export ban aims to impact aluminium production in Russia, which relies
on Australia for 20 percent of its alumina.

   It comes just days after Canberra sanctioned oligarch Oleg Deripaska, who
owns a stake in Queensland Alumina Limited -- a joint venture between Russian
aluminium company Rusal and mining giant Rio Tinto, which has vowed to sever
all business ties with Russia.

   Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his government was working
with partners to "put the maximum cost, the maximum pressure on the Putin
regime to withdraw from Ukraine".

   Morrison said Australia had levelled 476 sanctions against Russian
individuals and institutions since the invasion began.

   He also announced Australia would donate 70,000 tonnes of thermal coal to
Ukraine, following a request from the besieged nation.

   "We understand that it can power up to one million homes," he said.

   In addition, Australia will up its humanitarian assistance with an
additional Aus$30 million (US$22.3 million), and will donate a further $21
million in defensive military assistance to Ukraine, including ammunition and
body armour.

   In recent weeks, the government has approved nearly 5,000 visas from
Ukrainians displaced by the conflict, Morrison said. He announced that
Ukrainian refugees would be eligible for a new three-year humanitarian visa,
allowing them to work, study and access the country's health system.