Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia and Russia's tumultuous relationship has been marked by periods of tension and cooperation. In 2007, Putin became the first Russian leader to visit Australia in over 50 years, signing a uranium trade deal. However, Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 prompted Australia to impose sanctions on Russia and Putin himself. This was met with retaliation from Russia, listing Australia as a country taking unfriendly actions. Despite this, there appears to be a generational divide in Australia's perception of Putin, with younger Australians expressing warmer sentiments towards him and Russia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Putin's first visit to Australia | September 2007 |
| Purpose of the visit | Attended the APEC meeting |
| Signed a deal with Australia | Uranium trade deal |
| Signed agreement with Australia on | Cooperation in the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes |
| Putin's view on using Australia-supplied uranium for military purposes | Russia has an "excessive supply" of weapons-grade uranium |
| Australia's action after the Russian invasion of Ukraine | Imposed sanctions on Russia and Putin |
| Australia's view on the Russian invasion of Ukraine | "Unprovoked, unjust and illegal" |
| Putin's fan following in Australia | 22% of people aged 18-29 have "a lot or some confidence" in Putin |
| Australians' trust in Russia | 34% of people aged 60 and above report "not at all" |
| Number of Australians who applied for a "shared value" visa to Russia | 33 |
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What You'll Learn
Putin's visit to Australia in 2007
On 7 September 2007, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Sydney, Australia, to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting. This marked the first visit by a Russian or Soviet leader to Australia and was, therefore, a historic occasion.
Putin was greeted on the tarmac by Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer and New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma. During his visit, Putin was expected to sign a controversial deal to buy Australian uranium when he met with Prime Minister John Howard. The deal was signed, with Russia agreeing to a nuclear safeguards agreement to ensure the uranium would be used only for domestic civil use. However, Putin's visit to Australia was not without controversy. He faced criticism from some who opposed the uranium deal and questioned Russia's commitment to nuclear safety and international agreements.
It is worth noting that Putin's visit to Australia in 2007 was part of a broader trip in the region. Before arriving in Australia, Putin visited Indonesia, becoming the first Russian leader to do so in over 50 years. He also signed a deal to sell Russian submarines to Indonesia during this trip.
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Uranium trade deal between Russia and Australia
On September 7, 2007, Russian President Vladimir Putin became the first Russian president to visit Australia. During his visit, he attended the APEC meeting in Sydney and signed a uranium trade deal with Australian Prime Minister John Howard. The agreement, called the Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Russian Federation on Cooperation in the Use of Nuclear Energy for Peaceful Purposes, allowed for the sale of Australian uranium to Russia for use in its civilian nuclear power industry. This agreement superseded a previous agreement from 1990, which only allowed Russia to enrich uranium on behalf of third countries.
The 2007 deal was not without controversy. Critics argued that it could potentially make it easier for rogue third countries or groups to obtain the raw materials needed to create nuclear weapons. However, both Putin and Howard dismissed these suggestions, assuring the world that the uranium would be used solely for peaceful, non-military purposes and that Russia already had an excessive supply of weapons-grade uranium.
Following Russia's intervention in Ukraine and annexation of Crimea in 2014, Australia introduced sanctions and travel bans against designated Russian entities and individuals. As a result, Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced the suspension of Australian uranium sales to Russia until further notice. This marked a pause in the uranium trade deal between the two countries.
In conclusion, while the 2007 uranium trade deal between Russia and Australia was significant, it was not without its critics and was eventually suspended due to geopolitical tensions. The deal exemplified the complex nature of Australia-Russia relations, which have historically been influenced by factors such as the ""Russian threat" and Russophobia in Australian society.
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Sanctions imposed by Australia on Russia
Australia and Russia have had a complicated relationship, with a history of tensions and disagreements. In 2007, Australia and Russia signed an agreement on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, with Australia agreeing to sell uranium to Russia. However, there have also been instances of Australia imposing sanctions on Russia, particularly in response to Russia's actions in Ukraine.
Australia has imposed autonomous sanctions on Russia to address the threat to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. These sanctions were first implemented in 2014 and have been extended multiple times, including in 2015, 2022, and 2023. The sanctions include prohibiting the supply, sale, or transfer of specific goods to Russia. Additionally, Australia has imposed targeted financial sanctions and travel bans against individuals involved in silencing political expression in Russia and enabling the invasion of Ukraine. These sanctions target members of Russia's national security council, senior military officers, and government officials.
In response to the poisoning, mistreatment, and death of Alexei Navalny, Australia imposed additional sanctions, targeting individuals involved. Australia has also extended sanctions to the separatist regions of the Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison condemned the invasion and labelled Russian President Vladimir Putin a "thug".
The sanctions imposed by Australia on Russia are part of a broader framework of sanctions and diplomatic actions taken by Australia to address concerns about Russia's actions and their impact on global stability and sovereignty. Australia's sanctions are often implemented in coordination with other countries and international organisations to maximise their effectiveness and send a unified message.
It is worth noting that Russia has responded to these sanctions by including Australia on a list of countries deemed "'unfriendly' towards Russia and its citizens". Despite the tensions and sanctions, there have also been instances of cooperation between the two countries, indicating a complex dynamic in their relationship.
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Australians' trust in Russia and Putin
There is a notable generational divide in Australia when it comes to trust in Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin. While older Australians tend to be more distrustful of Putin and Russia, younger Australians exhibit a "warmer sentiment".
According to a 2017 Pew Research Center survey, 37% of Australians had a favourable view of Russia, while 55% expressed an unfavourable view. However, relations deteriorated in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and a Lowy Institute study that year found only 5% of surveyed Australians trusted Russia 'somewhat' or 'a great deal' to act responsibly in the world, a significant decrease from 24% in 2020 and 26% in 2021. This study also revealed a generational divide, with 34% of Australians aged 18-29 reporting "no confidence at all" in Putin, compared to 56% of those aged 60 and above. Interestingly, 22% of young people expressed "a lot or some confidence" in Putin, while only 11% of older Australians felt the same.
Historically, "Russophobia" and fears of a Russian invasion have been present in Australian society. For example, in 1882, the presence of Russian ships near Port Phillip sparked invasion fears in Melbourne, fuelled by media hysteria. More recently, in 2014, Russia's invasion of Crimea and the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, which killed 38 Australians, led to severe tensions in Australia-Russia relations. Following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Australia imposed sanctions on Russia and Russian officials, including Putin, and Russia reciprocated by including Australia on a list of "unfriendly countries".
Despite the overall negative sentiment and recent diplomatic tensions, there is a minority of Australians who exhibit pro-Russia and pro-Putin sentiments. This may be influenced by the spread of pro-Kremlin propaganda and conspiracy theories by individuals like Tucker Carlson, who has been celebrated by Russia for promoting its positions. Carlson's tour of Australia and the presence of other pro-Kremlin media personalities have contributed to a network of community groups pushing anti-government conspiracy theories and a "sovereign citizen" movement.
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Australia's opposition to the Soviet Union
Australia and Russia's foreign relations date back to 1807, with consular relations between the two countries being established in 1857. Diplomatic relations between Australia and the Soviet Union were established in 1942, and the first Australian embassy was opened in 1943.
Despite these diplomatic ties, Australia opposed the Soviet Union in several instances during the Cold War. One notable example was the Berlin Airlift, where Australia actively opposed the Soviet land blockade of West Berlin in 1948-1949 and participated in the airlift to provide humanitarian aid to the blockaded city.
Another instance of opposition was Australia's involvement in the Korean War, which began in 1950. Australia was the first country after the United States to deploy forces to Korea under the United Nations Command. This deployment was in direct opposition to the foreign policy of the Soviet Union, which supported North Korea.
In addition, there was significant anti-communist sentiment in Australia during the Cold War, which was directed towards the Soviet Union. This sentiment was exemplified by the March 1919 anti-Bolshevik demonstrations in Brisbane, known as the Red Flag Riots. The Communist Party of Australia (CPA) also faced opposition, and attempts were made by the Liberal Prime Minister Robert Menzies to outlaw the party.
Furthermore, the CPA itself condemned the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968, marking a shift in its previously supportive stance towards the Soviet Union.
However, it is important to note that there have also been instances of cooperation between Australia and the Soviet Union, such as the recognition of the de jure incorporation of the Baltic states into the Soviet Union by the Australian Prime Minister Whitlam in 1974. Additionally, Whitlam became the first Australian Prime Minister to visit Moscow in 1975, indicating a willingness to engage in diplomatic relations.
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Frequently asked questions
It is unclear whether Putin likes Australia or not, but he did visit the country in 2007, and signed a uranium trade deal.
Yes, Putin visited Australia in 2007, becoming the first Russian leader to do so in over 50 years.
During his visit to Australia, Putin attended the APEC meeting in Sydney and signed a uranium trade deal with Australia.
The deal was an agreement for Australia to sell uranium to Russia for use in its civilian nuclear power industry.
There is a generational divide in Australia when it comes to confidence in Putin as a political leader. A Lowy Institute Poll found that 22% of Australians aged 18-29 have "a lot or some confidence" in Putin, compared to only 11% of those aged 60 and above.
