The past fortnight has been action-packed with activities – reporting back on some of the work done between 14-27 April.
Trip to Ukraine: I was able to personally deliver non-lethal military aid to six brigades currently defending Sumy and Kharkiv regions: 21st Mechanized Brigade, 103-тя окрема бригада територіальної оборони Збройних Сил України, 61st Mechanized Brigade, 27th Rocket Artillery Brigade, 95 ОДШБр, 3 окрема штурмова бригада. The military aid fulfilled requests that came from our community members in VIC, NSW, and ACT.
We met with Odesa’s SES heroes, Colonel Denys Platonov and Lieutenant Colonel Mykola Fedkalov, to discuss Australian support for their critical rescue efforts.
Appeared on Ukrainian TV to raise awareness about Australian POW Oscar Jenkins, as we continue to advocate for his release.
A special honour: the 37th Separate Marine Brigade awarded us for our strategic assistance — a recognition for everyone supporting the AFUO’s Defend Ukraine Appeal
We also connected with Ukraine’s leaders and movers:
Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCI) to discuss strengthening business and trade relations (trade delegation to Australia coming soon!)
Ministry of Strategic Industries — met with Gennadiy Kurochka and Yura Sak to strategise top priorities and upcoming collaborative projects (Forged in Fire 2 being filmed soon!)
Met with Minister for Foreign Affairs Andrij Sybiha to update on work of the UWC and AFUO, and coordinate future initiatives. Paul Grod and Andriy Shevchenko.
Ukraine WOW — NGO promoting Ukrainian culture globally. Joint AFUO x Ukraine WOW project in the works with Yaroslava Gres!
POW Testimony: Met with Maks, a 29-year-old Azovstal Mariupol Defender who survived 2.5 years in russian captivity. His harrowing experiences include surviving the Mariupol Drama Theatre bombing, witnessing the Olenivka Prison attack where 60 Ukrainian prisoners of war were killed, and being forced to exhume civilian graves. Maks’ testimony provides crucial evidence on ICRC involvement and strengthens our advocacy for justice and POW rights.
Sports Diplomacy: Great friends of Ukraine, John McMurtrie and Paul Carvosso organised a meet & greet for Nazar “Kapa” and Maks with the Sydney GWS Giants AFL team. This special opportunity allowed the Ukrainian defenders to meet Australian sports players and coaches at the training grounds, build cultural bridges and raise awareness about Ukraine’s resilience through sport.
Lastly, I am deeply honoured to have been appointed as Honorary Consul of Ukraine to Sydney. Thank you all for standing with us. Together to Victory!
