Following the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s call to the international community to #ArmUkraineNow, the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) calls on Australia and the international community to provide Ukraine with all the weapons and material necessary to defeat the Russian armies in Ukraine and protect European freedom from Russian tyranny.
The war crimes and crimes against humanity that Russia is committing leave no doubt that Russia seeks the destruction of the Ukrainian state and the annihilation of the Ukrainian people.
As stated by Prime Minister Scott Morrison following the address by President Zelenskyy to the Australian Parliament on 31 March 2022 “We stand with you, Mr President, and we do not stand with the war criminal of Moscow.”
The Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese also addressed President Zelenskyy stating “As you stand up to this latest tyrant you are showing us what true courage is, your excellency, it is a courage that is embodied by you.”
The AFUO has thanked the Australian Government for the generous military and humanitarian assistance given to Ukraine since the commencement of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
However, Mr Stefan Romaniw, Co-Chair of the AFUO has stated today “I would suggest that there is more the Australian Government could and should do in the face of such an assault on a fellow democracy.”
“The Australian-Ukrainian community urges the Australian Government and the international community to deliver more military aid to Ukraine as quickly as possible. The Ukrainian Armed Forces require naval defences and anti-ship missiles for coastal defence; tanks, armoured personnel carriers, artillery and MLRSs, and anti-aircraft systems and fighter jets.
“Russia, a terrorist, criminal state, must be fully isolated from the international community. The AFUO will continue to work to ensure a full trade embargo on Russia and the listing of Russia as a state supporter of terrorism,’ said Mr Romaniw.
The AFUO also recently wrote to Minister of Foreign Affairs Marise Payne urging the expulsion of the Russian Ambassador to Australia and all Russian diplomats.
“The Russian Ambassador to Australia, Aleksey Pavlovsky has repeatedly continued to support Russia’s war on Ukraine. It is timely and appropriate that the Australian Government act in solidarity with its international allies and in line with its own precedent to immediately expel Ambassador Pavlovsky and all Russian diplomatic staff,’ said Mr Romaniw.
Media Inquiries: Stefan Romaniw 0419 531 255
#STANDWITHUKRAINE DONATE to Ukraine Crisis Appeal
