The AFUO welcomes the first airlift of non-lethal military aid to Ukraine, part of Australia’s over $105 million commitment to help the people of Ukraine following the brutal invasion by Russia.
‘The Australian Ukrainian community is grateful for the provision of a range of non-lethal military equipment and medical supplies in response to a specific request from the Ukrainian Government,’ said Mr Romaniw OAM, Co-Chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO).
‘We also thank the people and Government of Australia for the significant military assistance and emergency humanitarian support which has been pledged. The $70 million in lethal military assistance to support the defence of Ukraine, including missiles and weapons, is desperately needed as Russian bombs and missiles rain down on civilian residential areas and infrastructure,’ said Mr Romaniw.
‘The offer of immediate humanitarian assistance of an initial $35 million to help with the urgent needs of the Ukrainian people, including lifesaving food, water, shelter and medical care is also critical. The cost of Russia’s aggression is being borne by innocent Ukrainians – and the numbers of those impacted will rise sharply as the security situation deteriorates further,’ said Mr Romaniw.
The above measures backed up government assistance already announced related to cyber defence, and prioritising visas and migration support for Ukrainians.
‘As stated by the PM Scott Morrison, and the Minister for Defence Peter Dutton, Russia’s actions are a gross violation of international law and the UN Charter. There is no justification for these actions in Ukraine which are illegal, unjustified and unprovoked,’ said Mr Romaniw.
Media comment: Stefan Romaniw 0419 531 255
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Nadia Mencinsky
Media Inquiries, Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO)
Website: ozeukes.com
Mobile: +61 416 253 963
