PUBLIC STATEMENT
Stefan Romaniw OAM and Kateryna Argyrou, Co-Chairs of the umbrella body for Ukrainians in Australia, the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO), have released the below statement in honour of Ukrainian Independence Day, 24 August 2022:
This year, the celebration of Ukrainian Independence Day on 24 August will be commemorated with a power, intensity and determination like no other.
6 months into a brutal, illegal and unwarranted invasion by Russia, Ukraine continues to stand strong, united, and committed to achieving the victory of Ukraine.
There is no doubt Russia thought it would achieve an easy victory in Ukraine. It succumbed to the myth that Ukrainians would welcome their ‘brother Slavs’. It succumbed to the myth of the strength of the Russian army. It succumbed to the false hope that the world would not care.
When easy victory wasn’t assured, Russian invaders pummelled Ukrainian cities, towns and villages with over 3,000 missiles, destroying homes, apartment blocks, civilian infrastructure, schools, medical institutions, churches and theatres. The once beautiful Mariupol, a seaside city on the coast of the Sea of Azov, was razed to the ground. They forced millions to become displaced people. They committed horrendous acts of barbarity, cruelty and hatred in Bucha, Irpin and Hostomel.
But they have failed in every important way. 180 days into the war, Russia has failed to destroy Ukraine. Russia has failed to destroy the spirit of the Ukrainian people. Russia has failed the test of any modern, decent nation, and instead become a pariah state, committing acts of terrorism and genocide.
This week Ukraine and Ukrainians around the world, including in Australia, will celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day with strong feelings.
They will celebrate their culture, their identity, their song, their music, their dance. They will smile, embrace and cry as they support each other during these difficult times.
And they know they will not rest until Ukraine is free from Russian occupying forces. They will defend their land, their values, and their freedom. They will not let the fires of truth, decency and justice be extinguished. They will fight for as long as it takes for Ukraine to be victorious.
Slava Ukraini! Glory to Ukraine! – Heroyam Slava! Glory to the Heroes!
Stefan Romani OAM and Kateryna Argyrou,
Co-Chairs, Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO)
