SYDNEY, June 15 (Reuters) - Australia said on Thursday it would introduce legislation to parliament to cancel Russia's lease to build a new embassy in the national capital of Canberra, citing national security.
The move follows the conclusion of a long-running litigation regarding the leased site after the federal court ruled last month that an eviction order made by the National Capital Authority - a government body tasked with the planning of the national capital - was invalid.
Russia bought the lease in 2008 and had plans approved in 2011 but the National Capital Authority blamed the embassy for leaving the site unused, according to Australian media.
Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil said the "principal problem" with the proposed second Russian embassy was its location, as the site sits directly adjacent to the parliament house.
Since the conflict began, Australia has provided millions in military support to Ukraine and has sanctioned more than 1,000 Russian individuals and entities.
Persons:
Anthony Albanese, " Albanese, Clare O'Neil, Albanese, Renju Jose, Michael Perry
Organizations:
SYDNEY, National Capital Authority, Home Affairs, Ukraine, Thomson
Locations:
Australia, Canberra, Russian, Russia, Ukraine, Sydney