In mid November 2024, AFUO Co-Chair, Kateryna Argyrou, conducted high-level meetings and on the ground check-ins to survey the current situation, capabilities and feelings in Ukraine.
Kateryna met with representatives from the Ministry of Defence, the National Guard of Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kyiv State Administration, the Kyiv Institute of Rehabilitation (funded by the AFUO’s Future Ukraine), Razom for Ukraine, Global Atlas Aid and brigades on the frontline.
Visiting a number of brigades currently assisted by the AFUO’s Defend Ukraine Appeal, Kateryna delivered further military aid; including medical evacuation vehicles, drones, generators, socks, feet & hand warmers, energy bars, 3D printers, shovels, laptops, tables, chairs, and more. Kateryna also spent time to thank and deepen coordination with Defend Ukraine Appeal’s delivery partner, Razom for Ukraine. The direct message from the frontline to Australia was one of exhaustion – but immense gratitude for the support which has been provided to date.
One of the brigades visited by Kateryna was the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade – the brigade equipped with the well-known and much-loved Australian Bushmasters. Welcoming her visit, the soldiers allowed her an exclusive tour inside and recorded a special message of thanks for the Australian people.
On the streets in Sumy, Kateryna experienced daily air raid sirens – multiple times a day. Kateryna said “Exhausted civilians have reluctantly adapted to such living conditions; they hesitate to find shelter until they know what kind of missile is headed for their region, potentially their local street. Shahed drones flying overhead are a regular occurrence – inflicting stress and terror on regular families for more than 1,000 days, who are just trying to get by and provide for their loved ones.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude for the role and work by the Australian diaspora, in respect to military aid advocacy. Recognising the Ukrainian Embassy’s work in pushing for sanctions, they discussed the need for further inspection and policy action to facilitate effective sanctions on russian companies, in Australia and New Zealand, particularly in the importation of oil products refined from russian crude in third countries.
Kateryna also reported that strategic discussions with the Ministry of Defence and National Guard of Ukraine produced fruitful direction for our Government advocacy, moving forward. There is a significant need for electronic warfare systems and military equipment, especially Bushmasters, M113s, Hawkies, Tiger helicopters, all of which are in Australia’s possession and capacity to deliver.
The Director of the Fourth Territorial Department from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs relayed the importance that the Western world acknowledge the international nature of russia’s war, particularly considering the recent involvement of North Korean troops. Australia’s role and influence in our region is essential to upholding democratic values, of which Ukraine is fighting to preserve. If North Korean troops are in russia, then russian troops are in North Korea, exchanging intelligence and battleground feedback. Russia is focused on breaking global unity – Australia has a significant opportunity to uphold our values, defend our ally and stave off an authoritarian threat in our region.
Meeting with a familiar face to the Australian diaspora, Kateryna met up with Viktor “Blacksmith” – who recently received life-changing osteointegration surgery in Sydney, after losing both of his legs due to russian fire in Chasiv Yar, Donetsk. Viktor is in good spirits and progressing well in his rehabilitation journey. Atlas Foundation thanks AFUO’s Future Ukraine for their collaboration in the fundraising campaign “Rise Again: Help A Warrior to Walk Once More”.
In Poland, Kateryna had a successful meeting with Australian Ambassador to Ukraine, His Excellency Paul Lehmann, acknowledging the need to return the Australian Embassy to Kyiv.
Concluding her trip, Ms Argyrou contends that there is a lot that needs to be done.
“There are a plethora of opportunities for Western countries, including Australia, to take decisive supportive action. The Abrams tanks decision is greatly appreciated from Ukraine, and reveals the capability for this type of decommissioned military aid to continue. Defenders and civilians are tired, exhausted from the daily grind of russian terror and the threat of missile strikes. But they are determined, they remain united and committed to Ukraine’s territorial integrity, democracy, and freedom,” she said.
