Over the past 24 hours, Russia has launched one of its most significant air attacks against Ukraine, murdering at least 30 civilians and injuring over 130.
Russian cruise missiles, drones, bombers, and rockets hit Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro and other cities. Russia targeted residential buildings, a maternity hospital, schools, and parking lots to murder and hurt as many civilians as possible.
These happenings are a strong reminder to the international community that the war in Ukraine is raging, and it cannot be a forgotten war in light of tensions in the Middle East.
Ukraine has warned that Russia was stockpiling missiles to launch a major air attack on the energy system. This is consistent with last year’s tactics, which left many Ukrainians without power and heating during winter.
The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) condemns, in the strongest way, yet another Russian atrocity and the war crimes committed against Ukraine and Ukrainians.
For every action, there needs to be a reaction.
The AFUO calls on the Australian government to step up its support by providing an immediate military support package, increasing sanctions against Russia, and reinforcing its public message of support for Ukraine.
There is no festive season in Ukraine. Many families around the world are celebrating Christmas and looking forward to ringing in the 2024 New Year . Ukrainians live in terror and uncertainty. Children are being traumatised and scarred for life. This is the Ukraine, that is:
- Current bastion of defining values, democratic principles, and territorial sovereignty.
- Taking the brunt of and heroically withstanding punishing attacks from a brutal Russian aggressor.
- The international community recognises it as a resilient and committed nation, showing the world that evil must be defeated if we all are to have a better world.
- Not standing idle, but expanding its weapons industry.
But this is also the Ukraine calling out for increased military support with speed.
The AFUO calls on its members to contact their elected Members and the media and remind them of what today’s Ukraine is and what it needs now.
Yesterday’s atrocities will no doubt be repeated by Russia.
Only through a strong international reaction and the message that again spells out ‘We Stand with Ukraine, and there will be strong and unequivocal repercussions for Russia’, will these attacks stop.
Tomorrow throughout Australia, Ukrainian Church congregations will be offering prayers for the those killed and praying for peace.
