The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) has strongly condemned Putin’s partial mobilisation, anti-Western rhetoric and nuclear sabre-rattling yesterday as a reckless escalation of Russia’s war on Ukraine, and urged Western nations, including Australia, to stay the course.
Mr Stefan Romaniw, AFUO Co-Chair said “Putin is humiliated and desperate. He has nothing left except to wretchedly force more Russians to fight in Ukraine, conduct bogus referendums, and threaten means of mass destruction against the West.”
“Putin’s actions contradict any internationally recognised norms of behaviour. They undermine the central tenets of the Charter of the United Nations – that nations respect the sovereign equality of states and not use force in international relations.
“Russia has truly failed to fulfill any of the goals of the UN. Instead, Russia should be recognised as a state sponsor of terrorism,” he added.
Mr Romaniw also urged the world to support President Zelenskyy’s five point plan, delivered to the United Nations General Assembly yesterday, which called for:
- Punishment for Russia’s crimes of aggression, including sanctions, the stripping away of veto rights, a special tribunal to punish Russia, and an international compensation mechanism for Ukraine
- Protection of life, as mass graves continue to be uncovered in areas liberated by Ukrainian troops, including most recently in Izium, where a mass grave of 445 bodies has been found, many showing signs of torture
- Restoration of security and territorial integrity
- Security guarantees
- Assistance for Ukraine to continue defending itself against Russian aggression, which helps not only Ukraine, but the world.
Mr Romaniw said “The world has to recognise that Russia must be forced to stop this war which it has started. The international community must continue to provide Ukraine with more arms as it fights for democratic principles and global order.”
“We hope the Australian Government is able to increase its military assistance to Ukraine. As the largest non-NATO contributor to Ukraine’s defence effort, Australia has already punched above its weight. But more aid is needed for Ukraine to secure peace in its country, in Europe and the world,” he said.
Image by: ALESHA STUPIN (ІГОР ПОНОЧЕВНИЙ)
