AFUO CONDEMNS RUSSIA’S RECOGNITION OF THE SO-CALLED LUHANSK AND DONETSK “PEOPLE’S REPUBLICS” AND PUTIN’S ADDRESS TO THE RUSSIAN NATION
The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) resolutely condemns Russia’s provocative and dangerous decision to recognize the Russian controlled terrorist organizations of the so-called Luhansk and Donetsk “people’s republics” (“DPR” and “LPR”).
‘Such a step is another act of aggression against Ukraine, its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is a blatant violation of international law and violates the Minsk Agreements, to which Russia is a party. It also marks an end to the Minsk process and demonstrates Russia’s decision to choose a path of global isolation and aggression against the international rules-based order,’ said Mr Stefan Romaniw OAM, Co-Chair of the AFUO.
‘Russia invaded and occupied eastern Ukraine in 2014 and established fake republics. In doing so, it used a massive disinformation campaign to imply a ‘civil war’ and ‘separatist’ movement was involved. There is no civil war in Ukraine. Ukrainian civil society is strong – the resistance to Russia is very strong. Resistance to Russian pressure and aggression has only grown since 2014, as the costs and casualties of war – over 14,000 dead and 1.5 million people displaced – have been borne,’ said Mr Romaniw.
‘I have spoken today to Ukrainians in Odessa, and they have told me that ‘on the street, at every intersection, in every building and every house, Putin will find resistance. We are ready to fight’, said Mr Romaniw.
‘Putin’s decision to recognize the Donetsk/Luhansk “people’s republics” is a clear act of further aggression against Ukraine. It is a clear sign that Moscow won’t stop until it takes full control of Ukraine. The prospect of further Russian invasion of Ukraine grows more likely every day,’ said Mr Romaniw.
‘Putin’s address to the nation today also confirmed his intentions, which were never about diplomacy. Putin has affirmed his quasi-imperial, toxic myths about Ukraine, his denial of the very existence of Ukraine as a state and a people, and his determination to annihilate the ‘existential threat’ of a democratic, freedom-loving people on his border,’ said Mr Romaniw.
‘The AFUO calls on Australia and the global democratic community to immediately implement punitive sanctions against Russia, and personally against Putin and his oligarch enablers. Australia and the international community must act together to stop Putin and significantly increase military and economic aid support to Ukraine,’ said Mr Romaniw.
Media inquiries: Mr Stefan Romaniw 0419 531 255
