Australia is tracking four Russian warships off its northern coast, whose presence Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said is a sign of Moscow’s military assertiveness, amid strained relations after the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 in Ukraine.
The appearance of the fleet coincides with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s arrival at the G20 summit in Brisbane. Putin’s presence in Brisbane drew questions, given Canberra’s anger at the downing of the Malaysia Airlines passenger jet in July over rebel-held eastern Ukraine, a disaster that killed 298 people, including 38 Australian citizens and residents.
