Russia on Thursday blasted Australia's decision to prohibit Russia from building a new embassy after intelligence officials warned it posed a security threat.
"To our regret, Australia diligently continues to follow the path created by the authors of the Russophobic hysteria, which is now active in the countries of the collective West," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
"Australia aims for excellence among these countries," he quipped, adding that Russia would consider retaliation.
Australia blocked Russia from building a new embassy in the shadow of Parliament House on Thursday after intelligence officials warned it posed a spying risk and security threat.
Russia holds the lease for a parcel of land some 400 meters (0.25 miles) from Australia's parliamentary precinct in Canberra, and has been laying the foundations for a new embassy building.
But after failing to block the development in the courts, the Australian government passed new laws on Thursday that were specifically drafted to halt its construction.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
