Australia halts plans for new Russian embassy near Parliament over security concerns.

Australia's House of Representatives passed legislation to prevent Russia from building a new embassy near Parliament House on security grounds due to the risk presented by a new Russian presence so close to Parliament House. The legislation would extinguish Russia's lease on the site based on the advice of security agencies. Australia is one of the most generous providers of military hardware, training and aid to Ukraine of any country outside NATO and has escalated sanctions against Russia since the war began in February 2022.