Global Courant
SYDNEY – In 2011, Russia was granted permission to build a new embassy on one of the most prized spots in Canberra – a piece of land near Parliament House.
At the time, the Canberra planning authority’s decision attracted little attention, especially as it was understandable that Russia wanted to move out of its current premises, a humble home on a busy suburban road, far from the main diplomatic enclave.
But the move of the Russian embassy is now at the heart of a serious – if somewhat farcical – dispute that shows the extent to which Moscow’s ties to the West and Australia have become toxic.
The saga, which has made headlines worldwide, follows years of growing distrust between Canberra and Moscow, long before the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Ties between the two have spiraled since 2014, when Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was shot down over Ukraine by Russian-backed separatists, killing all 298 people on board. The flight was carrying 38 Australian citizens and residents, prompting Canberra to join forces with the Netherlands to push for Russia – and the separatists – to be held accountable.
Memorably, former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott threatened to “shirt-front” – or aggressively confront – Mr Vladimir Putin over MH17 ahead of a visit by the Russian president to Australia for a meeting of leaders of the Group of 20 Advanced Economies.
