The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) welcomes the encouraging conclusion of the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, held in Bürgenstock, Switzerland.
“The weekend’s Summit was an historic and remarkable feat. To have over 100 national and organisational delegations focused on securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine shows that Ukraine has not been forgotten,” said Stefan Romaniw OAM, co-chair of the AFUO.
“Our community in Australia was deeply grateful to see Australia represented by Minister the Hon Bill Shorten MP. This Summit was a crucial opportunity for countries around the world to champion peace, so Ukrainians across Australia were heartened to know that Mr Shorten was in the room and ensured Australia had a voice. We appreciate his solidarity with Ukraine,” Mr Romaniw said.
“The Summit was an important step to moving Ukraine closer to victory over Russia and towards an end to this unjust and costly war. Ukrainians want Russian troops off Ukrainian land, they want their children back, and they want to live in peace. The global community showed their vision for the future in Switzerland, just as they did at the hugely successful Ukraine Recovery Conference held in Berlin last week.
“Countries around the globe have an enduring interest in the conclusion of Russia’s war and the continued existence of a strong, sovereign and democratic Ukraine. So it was reassuring to see over 80 countries, including Australia, sign the Summit’s joint communiqué which maps out a pathway to peace,” Mr Romaniw said.
“844 days into this senseless and brutal invasion, Russia remains absolutely focused on destroying Ukrainian communities and terrorising everyday Ukrainians. It is essential that the energy and momentum from this summit is harnessed so we can end this war and hold Russia to account,” Mr Romaniw concluded.
