‘Badge of Honour’: Australian Author Blacklisted by Kremlin, Denied Access to Russia

‘Badge of Honour’: Australian Author Blacklisted by Kremlin, Denied Access to Russia
People walk along a shopping street near the gates of Kremlin in Moscow, in a file photo. Andreas Rentz/Getty Images
Rebecca Zhu
Updated:

The Russian government has indefinitely banned 48 Australian citizens from entering Russia on the grounds of “creating anti-Russian agenda” in Australia, including individuals involved in the military-industrial industry and journalists.

Paul Monk, a former intelligence analyst, author, and current contributor for The Australian newspaper, has expressed feeling honoured to be among those sanctioned. The prominent Australian, who is an Order of Australia recipient in recognition of his distinguished service to Australia, has been vocally critical of the Russian regime and President Vladimir Putin.