Returning to the deputy prime minister, who was asked about providing additional support to Ukraine and targeting Russian assets.
Richard Marles was asked whether the Australian government should have pledged money to a Czech government initiative to buy Ukraine hundreds of thousands of shells.
“I would emphasise that we are in a good conversation with Ukraine about how we can best provide our support,” he told ABC radio.
“When I was visiting there has been a gratitude from Ukraine for Australia for the level of support we are are giving.”
He said Australia had provided artillery to Ukraine, with 10,000 shells sent to the country.
The defence and deputy prime minister was also questioned on whether frozen Russian assets in Australia could be redirected to helping Ukraine fund its efforts.
“There are constitutional issues around simply seizing those assets and using them, but we have those assets frozen, and those steps come on top of significant sanctions we have in relation to trade,” Marles said.