Labor, as Australia’s alternative government, is deeply concerned about threats to Ukrainian sovereignty and the build-up of more than 100,000 Russian troops at the Ukrainian border.

We express our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and join international calls for Russia to de-escalate and abide by its international commitments.

We will continue to seek regular briefings from Government agencies, including the Office of National Intelligence and the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Home Affairs.

Moreover, we expect to be consulted on any developments in Australia’s position. In an election year it is critical that bipartisanship be maintained on challenges to national security that affect us all and go beyond domestic politics.

We commend the leadership of US President Biden and other G7 leaders, and call for the broader international community to work together to uphold international law and sovereign boundaries and maintain international peace and security.

A series of meetings currently underway presents further opportunities to show strong international support for Ukrainian sovereignty – including NATO Foreign Ministers, bilateral US-Russian meetings, the Russia-NATO Council and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

China’s close relationship with Russia means it has a unique responsibility to urge restraint from Moscow – and for China to demonstrate support for international law, including the integrity of the borders of all sovereign states.

Authorised by Paul Erickson, ALP, Canberra.