The AFUO thanks our state community organisations (hromady), member organisations, Ukrainian-Australians and all supporters of Ukraine for the powerful display of unity and determination we showed at events across Australia to mark 24 February 2022 – 365 days since the full-scale Russian invasion, 9 years of war against Ukraine.
Streets, squares and city buildings came alive with the colours of blue and yellow, the colours of freedom and courage.
365 days ago our lives changed forever. But together we showed that we are 365 days strong, 365 days resilient and 365 days united.
We thank the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong and the Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, for announcing additional military support and sanctions.
We thank the Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Birmingham, and Shadow Minister for Defence, Andrew Hastie, for their joint statement in support of Ukraine.
We also thank the Australian people for their support. For not succumbing to “Ukraine fatigue”. For understanding that what has happened to Ukraine is unfair and unjust. For standing up for democracy and a strong international order. And for recognising that Ukraine’s success is essential not just for Ukraine, but also for Australia and for global peace, security and stability.
We are proud to proclaim that Ukraine stands: Ukraine stands strong, Ukraine stands proud, and, most importantly, Ukraine stands free.
