Morrison: Ukrainians' visas to be extended

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that Ukrainians in Australia whose visas will expire by the end of June will be allowed to stay an additional six months. "We have put to the top of the pile all Ukrainian applications for visas to come to Australia with some 430 outstanding visa applications," he said. He made the announcement a day after Australia imposed sanctions on eight members of Russia's Security Council in response to Russia's actions against Ukraine.

Sanctions have also been placed on a series of banks and financial institution. Sanctions that have existed since 2014 on the transport, energy, minerals and telecommunications sectors have been extended to rebel-held areas of Ukraine that Russia recognizes as independent.