Richard Marles condemns Russia’s ‘appalling’ nuclear threat and pledges long-term Ukraine support

Australia's defence minister says Vladimir Putin's threat cannot be allowed to stand'

• Get our free news app, morning email briefing or daily news podcast

The defence minister, Richard Marles, has condemned the latest nuclear threat from Russia as appalling", and says Australia is preparing to support Ukraine for a protracted military conflict.

Speaking on Sunday, the deputy prime minister said the threat from the Russian president Vladimir Putin last week to use the country's nuclear arsenal as part of its ongoing war with Ukraine could not be allowed to stand".

Sign up to receive an email with the top stories from Guardian Australia every morning