Australia demands to redirect russia's "dirty money" to Ukraine

The Australian elite is demanding that $9 billion of russian assets frozen by the Australian authorities be confiscated and used to support Ukraine financially.

The group, which includes former prime ministers, businessmen, trade union and military leaders, as well as former diplomats, has written to Treasurer Jim Chalmers, urging him to consider several options for redirecting billions of "dirty money" held in Australia since the imposition of sanctions against russian oligarchs and others considered to be aiding the invasion and occupation of Ukraine.

Prominent Australians from the organization "Network of Supporters of Ukraine" are calling for the frozen russian assets to be transferred to Ukraine.

Discussions about the use of russian assets have intensified as dictator Vladimir Putin's forces gain momentum on the battlefield, his air force launches strikes on Ukrainian troops and cities, and the U.S. Congress delays approving a multibillion-dollar aid package.

Amid growing criticism of Australia's lack of military and humanitarian assistance, the Network of Supporters of Ukraine has asked the government to join other countries in developing legal options for using sovereign russian assets for the country's recovery and reconstruction, and to update its own laws to allow for the use of russian assets.

"We are making this request because Australia can go far beyond its capabilities at no cost to Australian taxpayers," reads the letter, which was signed by former Prime Minister John Howard, health industry leader Dr. Tanya Douc and Reverend Bill Crews, a Uniting Church minister and humanitarian.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald