The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) has joined Ukraine and Western governments in condemning the sham referendums held in Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine and called on the Australian Government to impose additional sanctions on people involved in organising the referendums, and to reject any attempts to annex Ukrainian territory.
Mr Stefan Romaniw OAM, AFUO Co-Chair, said “As expected, these sham referendums have involved multiple reports of coercion, threats, intimidation and even door-to-door visits from election officials accompanied by Russian soldiers.”
“Imagine gun-men standing at polling booths in Australia, or coming into a shareholder’s meeting of BHP and saying ‘sign up your shares’. It’s a sick farce.”
“The pictures released by Russian state media are a typical choreographed show of support for Moscow, but they are as much a lie as ‘official’ election results indicating up to 93% support for Russian occupation,” he added.
“The UK and Europe have already announced their intention to impose sanctions on those responsible for organising the referendums. Australia should follow suit.”
Mr Romaniw also condemned the Russian parliament’s proposed formal annexation of Ukrainian territory next Tuesday, saying “Any planned annexation of Ukrainian territory is unlawful and a fraudulent attempt to legitimise Putin’s failed invasion of Ukraine.”
“We ask the Australian Government to support international moves to condemn any illegal annexation of Ukrainian territory, and support Ukraine’s call that it has the right to take back territory that has been seized by Russia.”
“Australia and the rest of the world has to continue to stand with Ukraine, support its right to defend itself and its territorial integrity, and continue to send military aid.”
“Now is not the time to lose our determination to do the right thing. Putin is in panic mode – his partial mobilisation and nuclear sabre-rattling are the signs of desperation,” he added.
Photo credit: Stringer/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
