Members of the Ukrainian community in Sydney and Canberra-Queanbeyan have held moving commemorations to mark the 10th anniversary of the horrific downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 by russian-controlled forces.
On Wednesday 17 July in Sydney’s Martin Place, community members held sunflowers, Australian flags and name cards of the 38 Australians who died in this act of russian terror.
On Saturday 20 July in Canberra outside the russian embassy, participants heard tributes for the victims from the Ukrainian Ambassador, Mr Vasyl Myroshnychenko, and the ACT Attorney-General, Shane Rattenbury. Flags from Ukraine, Australia, the Netherlands and Malaysia were flown.
russia has never taken responsibility for this act of terror. 10 years on, russia’s criminal aggression in Ukraine continues.
We urge the world to understand that true peace and justice will only be secured when Russia is defeated and held accountable for its crimes, violence and violation of international law.
Thank you to Ukrainians in Sydney and Friends of Ukraine Canberra-Queanbeyan for organising the events.
The AFUO alerted the media, with Channel 9 and SBS including footage of the rally in their evening news bulletins. Check out the AAP story in the AFUO Newsroom.
Sydney photos: by Nicholas Buenk
