The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) warmly welcomes the visit of the Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister the Hon Richard Marles MP to Ukraine, where he announced much-needed Australian military support.
“The AFUO is delighted by Richard Marles’ visit to Ukraine this weekend. To be in Ukraine right now is to understand the reality of the war — to feel its impact on the streets and on the community. We are pleased the Minister has taken the time to be in Ukraine and have faith that his visit will have further sharpened his understanding of what is on the line in this struggle — not just for Ukraine, but for liberal democracies and the rules-based global order,” said Stefan Romaniw OAM, co-chair of the AFUO.
“We welcome the additional support announced by the Minister today, which will help in areas that have long been a priority for Ukraine, including air defences, drones and munitions. In his recent speech at the National Press Club, the Minister was right to note that ‘History will judge us not by what we say, but by what we do.’ Words will not help Ukraine win this war, so we hope this latest announcement signals a step-change in Australia’s support,” said Mr Romaniw.
“Australia’s contribution comes on the back of incredibly significant support offered this week by the United States and the United Kingdom — our partners in AUKUS and on the front line of preserving peace and staring down autocracy. Australia can and should play a bigger role in supporting Ukraine, commensurate with our size as the 12th largest economy in the world.
“The AFUO continues our call for a line-item in the upcoming Federal Budget which ring-fences new money for Ukraine. This is desperately needed to overcome hesitancy in the Department of Defence, which appears increasingly reluctant to pledge money or kit to Ukraine — even the things Australia doesn’t need, like Taipan helicopters,” said Mr Romaniw.
“For a period of time in 2022, Australia was the leading non-NATO contributor to Ukraine. We are now fifth. Zooming out puts our contribution into stark relief: Australia ranks 35th of 41 donor countries by GDP, as tracked by the Kiel Institute. We are last among the developed G20 countries which support Ukraine.
“Ukrainians are incredibly grateful for Australia’s contributions, but now is the time to be bold, to double down, and to act quickly. Help Ukrainians hold the line. Defending democracy isn’t easy, fast or cheap. But it is the right thing to do. The AFUO is delighted Minister Marles has seen with his own eyes what Ukraine is fighting for and why it is in Australia’s interests to dig deep,” Mr Romaniw concluded.
Image sources: CPL Andrew Sleeman, defence.gov.au
