Yesterday, Kateryna Argyrou, Chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) presented evidence before the Senate committee examining the effectiveness of sanctions against the russian federation.
The AFUO was joined by Andriy Mencinsky, President of the Ukrainian Council of NSW – ОУГ НПВ).
Speaking on behalf of the Ukrainian community in Australia, Kateryna and Andriy made clear that the Albanese Government must close the blood oil loophole – which has funnelled an estimated $2.45 billion in tax revenue to the Kremlin, exceeding the $1.7 billion Australia has committed in aid to Ukraine.
Their advocacy cut through – attracting widespread national coverage, incl:
📰 Sydney Morning Herald & The Age –
www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/this-has-to-stop-government-blasted-for-lack-of-action-on-russian-blood-oil-20260218-p5o3e3.html
🗞️ The Australian –
afuo.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Russian-Blood-Oil-Slipping-Through-the-Sanctions-Net.pdf
📡 Australian Associated Press (AAP) which was syndicated nationally –
thewest.com.au/politics/push-to-outlaw-spliced-russian-blood-oil-in-australia-c-21679913
The AFUO’s submission to the inquiry reflected an enormous collective effort. We sincerely thank our dedicated volunteers for their work Olya Booyar, Isa Liddy, David Ingram, Nadia Mencinsky, David Lang, Carly Wladkowski, Antonius Lord, and others.
The AFUO is also grateful for the support from Sania & Dan Wolody as well as Victor Rudewych and family.
A special thank you to AFUO Communications Manager Nadia Mencinsky for leading our national media and public communications efforts.
Read the AFUO submission here: afuo.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Submission-26-Australian-Federation-of-Ukrainian-Organisations.pdf
Watch the Senate session with Kateryna and Andriy:
