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.
On June 15, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese held a media conference in Canberra to announce plans to cancel Russia’s lease on the key land, citing intelligence warning that Russia’s presence there would pose a security risk .
Mr Albanese did not provide details about the threat, but said his decision was based on concerns about “the construction proposed for this site, the location of this site and the opportunity it would present in terms of potential interference with activities that take place in this parliament building”.
The Kremlin, which has not yet finished building its new embassy complex, reacted furiously, accusing Australia of “Russophobic hysteria”.
In a strange twist, Russia reportedly sent a diplomat to crouch on the property to try and prevent the eviction. The man – presumably a diplomat – lived in a shed on the site, but cannot be arrested because of his diplomatic immunity.
Russia also took legal action, claiming that the legislation to revoke the lease was unconstitutional.
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.
But the relationship has only deteriorated further.
Earlier in 2023, it was reported that Russia was behind an extensive spy ring uncovered by Australia’s domestic intelligence agency, the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO). According to a report in The Age newspaper, the ring involved Russian spies posing as diplomats and planning to recruit local informants and use technology to steal data.
In February, ASIO chief Mike Burgess revealed that Australia had deported the spy network.
