Former Aussie PMs hit by new Russian sanctions

Joe Biden and Donald Trump lock horns in the first US presidential debate

Prominent Australians, including former prime ministers Tony Abbott and John Howard, have been targeted by a new wave of Russian sanctions over their support for Ukraine.

They were among a list of 37 leading Australians released by Russia's Foreign Ministry to be formally sanctioned, meaning the border is closed to them.

Others on the list included senior military officers, business figures, judges, former diplomats and academics.

LIVE UPDATES: Biden, Trump to face off in first presidential debate

An accompanying statement by the ministry accused the banned individuals of helping direct the Australian government's "Russophobic policies" and planning an "anti-Russia agenda".

Since Russia invaded Ukraine more than two years ago, Canberra and Moscow relations have hit a new low.

"In response to the politically motivated sanctions against Russian individuals and entities imposed by the Australian government as part of the collective West's Russophobic campaign, entry to our country is closed indefinitely to another 27 Australians, comprising former politicians, executives of Australian companies, university teachers, journalists and public figures," the statement said.

"Considering the fact that official Canberra does not intend to renounce its anti-Russia line and continues to impose new sanctions, we will update the Russian stop list still further."

Abbott, who pledged to "shirt front" Russian President Vladimir Putin over the downing of passenger jet MH17 in 2014, has been a prominent backer of Ukraine in its war with Russia.

Former Coalition prime minister Tony Abbott has been a prominent supporter of Ukraine..

Earlier this month, he told the Black Sea security conference in the Ukrainian city Odesa that "Ukraine is the frontline for freedom".

He warned democratic countries faced similar onslaughts from dictatorships if Russia emerged victorious, and western nations, such as Australia, needed to step up their support for Ukraine..

"If the horrors that have befallen Ukraine are not to be repeated elsewhere, all the leading democracies, including Australia, need to rethink what it means to be secure."