AFUO Snapshot – Highlights from the Chair Kateryna Argyrou. A week of impactful advocacy, coordination, and community engagement: reporting 28 April-4 May.
Advocacy – Held a constructive call with Minister Penny Wong – Senator for SA‘s office for two priorities: freezing & seizing russian assets and applying additional sanctions on russian imports. Grateful to Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for their continued support and engagement.
Media – Interviewed by 2CC Radio Canberra and Suspilne News (Суспільне Новини) in Ukraine. Shared insights on Putin’s proposed ceasefire and Australia’s federal elections – underscoring the stakes for Ukraine’s allies and the importance of sustained support.
Coordination with Ukraine – Joined a high-level call with representatives of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to strengthen inter-parliamentary ties and align international advocacy efforts. Thank you to Paul Grod, Andriy Shevchenko, and the Ukrainian World Congress – Свiтовий Конґрес Українців for facilitating this vital dialogue.
Bluesberries Fundraiser – Attended a fundraising concert by the Bluesberries band. Their song “Morning Sun” is helping fuel rehabilitation projects through the AFUO’s Future Ukraine. Grateful to John McMurtrie, Dan Fallon, Paul Beard & team for the incredible support!
“Stand with Ukraine” rally – attended and spoke at the Sydney community rally. Deeply moving to be joined by two Ukrainian heroes: Viktor “Blacksmith” and Nazar “Kapa.”
Coordination Calls – Participated in a series of strategic calls: covering communications, DUA, Forged in Fire 2 documentary, Ukraine’s Independence Day 2025, UWAL planning, and held AFUO Board meeting to align key priorities.
Defend Ukraine Appeal – Delivered a reconnaissance drone to the 63rd Separate Mechanised Brigade. Sincere thanks to Philip Gielis for the donation, Tetiana Koldunenko for the lion emblem inspired by the Flemish battle flag, and our logistics team – Liana Slipetsky, Teresa Lachowich, Andrew Dobrotwir, Mark Sywak, and Andrii Popyk. This mission fulfilled an aid request from WA community member Ihor Holovko.
Together, we continue to stand strong — for Ukraine, for justice, for victory 
