Hanson denounces invasion of Ukraine, doesn’t comment on “strong man” praise for Putin

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson says she’s “totally opposed” to the war in Ukraine, but did not say whether she still believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin is a “strong man”.

SBS News asked Hanson at a press conference whether she stood by her comments in 2017 praising Putin as a leader who had gained the respect of his country.

During the 2017 ABC Insiders interview, Hanson described Putin as a “patriotic” leader who was “doing so well for his country”.

She also questioned his involvement in the downing of flight MH17, asking: “Have you got the proof he did it? Did he push the button?”

When asked about the comments on Tuesday, Hanson said: “I don’t like what Putin has done in the invasion of Ukraine. I’m totally opposed to that.”

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with more than 16,000 Ukrainian civilians killed so far, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

SBS News is Australia’s trusted news source for the latest news from Australia and across the world.

Subscribe to the SBS News YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SBSNews
Follow SBS News on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sbsnews_au
Follow SBS News on TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/" target="_blank" rel=”nofollow”>https://www.tiktok.com/@sbsnews_au
Follow SBS News on X: https://www.twitter.com/SBSNews
Follow SBS News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sbsnews
Apple News: https://trib.al/MTx0gUe

For the latest news, visit www.sbs.com.au/news

Network Terms & Conditions: https://sbs.com.au/terms
Privacy Policy: https://sbs.com.au/privacy
Feedback or complaints: https://sbs.com.au/complaints