AFUO Co Chair Kateryna Argyrou joined the Ukrainian Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Lithuanian Ambassador Darius Degutis, Latvian Ambassador Margers Krams and Estonian Ambassador Jaan Reinhold today at Parliament House to mark the three year anniversary of russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and light a candle of remembrance for the people of Ukraine.
Organised by Senator Deb O’Neill, the session included a briefing from His Excellency Mr Vasyl Myroshnychenko, the Baltic Ambassadors, Kateryna Argyrou and Ukrainian defender Nazar “Kapa” about Australian support for Ukraine. Matters discussed included:
Timeline for the delivery of Australian donated tanks, request for additional Bushmasters, and decommissioned equipment such as M113 armoured personnel carriers
Urging the Australian Government to take action on redirecting frozen russian assets held in Australia towards Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction
Tightening Australia’s sanctions regime to close off the glaring loophole which allows the importation of oil products refined in third countries (such as India, China and Singapore) using russian crude – thereby fueling russia’s war machine
Acting on russian disinformation activities in Australia, such as the screening of ‘russians at War’ at the Antenna Documentary Film Festival, which seek to sow doubt and confusion, degrade the quality of our public discourse and sap the will of democratic societies to stand with Ukraine
On a day when US President Trump has announced he has held discussions with the indicted war criminal – putin – to begin negotiations to end Russia’s war, support from Ukraine’s allies and partners will be critical. Ukraine must be central to any future negotiations; and it must be given meaningful security guarantees so a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace can be achieved.
Thank you Ambassadors, members and senators for standing with Ukraine today.
We also warmly thank Nazar, who recently arrived in Australia for medical treatment, for attending the event, sharing his personal story and explaining why additional military equipment and armour is vital.
Senator Deborah O’Neill, Senator Linda Reynolds, Dan Tehan MP, Peter Khalil, Julian Leeser MP, Senator James Paterson, Nola Marino MP, Andrew Wallace – LNP Federal Member for Fisher, Senator Maria Kovacic, Senator Paul Scarr, Luke Gosling MP, Alison Byrnes MP, Dr. Carina Garland Member for Chisholm, David Smith MP, Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Susan Templeman MP
