Defense Minister Peter Dutton has warned there will be “bloody scenes” if Russia invades Ukraine and installs a pro-Kremlin regime.

speaking on Sky News Earlier in the day, Mr Dutton called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to address the concerns of the international community.

“For now, we’re hoping that deterrence can mean the Russians can back down and they don’t continue on what looks like a path to conflict with Ukraine because, as I said, dozens of thousands of people will die,” he added. said Mr. Dutton. “There will be bloody scenes.”

He said Ukraine was unlikely to approach Australia for direct military assistance, after Foreign Minister Marise Payne again ruled out military aid.

Mr Dutton said that although the pandemic had distracted much of the world from events in the region, no one wanted to see a repeat of the violence in 2014 when Russia invaded and then annexed the Crimean peninsula.

He said it was important for free nations to stand firm in the face of authoritarianism.

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“It is important to challenge dictators and people who have aggression as their first instinct. This is unacceptable.

“This is a very, very serious situation and Russia needs to address the issues of the international community.”

Last night the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a ‘do not travel’ alert for Ukraine.

“Australians in Ukraine should depart now by commercial means, where safe, noting that flight availability may change or be suspended at short notice,” DFAT said in a statement.

“Australians who decide to stay in Ukraine should review their personal security plans, be prepared to shelter in place if necessary [and] maintain heightened security awareness and register with DFAT.