Russia Takes Australian Government to Court Over Cancellation of Embassy Site

People attend a protest against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, outside the Russian embassy in Canberra, Australia, on Feb. 26, 2022. Stringer/AFP via Getty Images

Russian authorities have taken Australia to court over the cancellation of a site slated for the construction of its embassy.

The challenge was launched on Oct. 6 in the Federal Court of Australia with Russia’s lawyers arguing the local planning authority did not have power to terminate their lease for a site in Yarralumla.

Lawyer Elliot Hyde also argued they were concerned key Russian diplomatic figures could be expelled from the country if the legal fight dragged on for too long.

Justice Steven Rares of the Federal Court agreed, according to AAP.

In mid-August, the National Capital Authority terminated the lease in Yarralumla, a precinct home to several other embassies including the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, and French missions.

The Russian government has held a lease since 2008 with an intention to replace its existing embassy in the suburb of Griffith. Building approvals were granted in 2011.

Yet Sally Barnes, CEO of the National Capital Authority, said ongoing “unfinished works” detracted from the “overall aesthetic” and dignity of the area.

“With limited blocks currently available for diplomatic purposes, unless a country can demonstrate a willingness and ability to develop the site, the [National Capital Authority] supports a policy of ‘Use it or lose it,’” she said in a statement.

Initially, Russia was given 20 days to exit the site, but Australian authorities agreed to wait until the court matter was finished.

The matter will return to court on Nov. 18.

Australia Considering Expelling Russian Ambassador

Earlier this week, Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong said expelling the Russian ambassador was “under consideration” following President Vladimir Putin’s threat to use nuclear weapons.

Russian Ambassador Aleksey Pavlovsky said his government would reciprocate. He further claimed Australians were “not informed” of the genesis of the situation and said they had been “brainwashed.”

Australia has followed in the stead of its fellow Five Eyes nations, announcing another round of sanctions on the Russian government following its attempts to annexe parts of Ukraine.

Wong said the government would roll out “targeted financial sanctions and travel bans” on 28 Russian-appointed separatists, ministers, and officials who aided Russia with attempts to annex the four regions by holding referendums.