The AFUO was honoured to facilitate a meeting on Friday 21 March between Ukrainian World Congress – Свiтовий Конґрес Українців President Paul Grod and the Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong – Senator for SA.
AFUO Chair Kateryna Argyrou and Association of Ukrainians in SA President Frank Fursenko joined the meeting, which focused on Australia’s ongoing support for Ukraine. Discussions covered military aid, diplomatic and sanctions support, and business opportunities to assist in Ukraine’s reconstruction.
The Minister commended the Australian-Ukrainian community for its extraordinary courage and resilience during this very difficult time. She also highlighted the Albanese Government’s substantial military aid to Ukraine – the largest among non-NATO contributors – and its ongoing advocacy for a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.
The UWC President thanked the Minister for Australia’s support and openness to joining a potential peacekeeping force in Ukraine.
The AFUO Chair thanked the Minister for her visit to Ukraine late last year to re-open the Australian Embassy in Kyiv and for her strong, consistent stance urging russia to end its illegal invasion of Ukraine.
Together, we fully support the Minister’s view that maintaining maximum pressure on russia – military, economic, diplomatic and on the ground – is essential to securing a stable and lasting peace for Ukraine, upholding international law, and ensuring global security.
