Australia is very concerned by Russia’s military build-up on Ukraine’s border. In a call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba today, I reaffirmed Australia’s steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Australia supports our close partners, including the United States, EU and NATO, in deterring Russia from escalating tensions.
Australia and Ukraine are marking 30 years of diplomatic relations this month. Our ties are underpinned by strong people-to-people links and cooperation in pursuit of justice for MH17 victims and their families. 🇦🇺🇺🇦
Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australian Embassy, Ukraine Australian Embassy to Belgium and Luxembourg and Mission to the EU and NATO
Letter from Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations
Thanking the Minister and calling for ongoing support
January 19, 2022
Senator Marise Payne
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Via email foreign.minister@dfat.gov.au
Dear Minister
I am writing to thank you for the Australian Government’s reaffirmation of support for Ukraine in these difficult times of Russian military building on Ukraine’s border.
The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) and the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) are grateful for your reassurances in a phone call to Ukraine’s ‘ Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba.
The AFUO and UWC will continue to advocate for ongoing strengthening support for Ukraine.
Ukraine is in a precarious position. President Putin’s actions are threatening and serious. The consequences of an invasion of Ukraine will have international repercussions that affect global stability and peace.
President Putin must feel the full brunt of international pressure to retreat the forces and respect Ukraine’s sovereignty.
He must understand that the international community, including Australia, will act if he does not heed these calls.
We call on the Australian Government to
continue to strengthen its support for Ukraine and oppose Russian military Build up
· Offer Military Support to Ukraine
· Send a message that if Russia invades Ukraine, Australia will actively support Ukraine
· Impose stronger sanctions against Russian Federation
We are requesting to meet with you at a time that suits your diary to discuss these matters further.
Please do not hesitate to contact me on 0419 531 255 or sromaniw@bigpond.net.au to arrange a suitable meeting time.
Once again, we appreciate your support and look forward to meeting with you.
Yours sincerely
Stefan Romaniw OAM
Co-Chair, Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations
1st Vice President, Ukrainian World Congress
Cc H.E. Bruce Edwards, Australian Ambassador to Ukraine
Volodymyr Shalkivskiy Chargé d’affaires – Embassy of Ukraine in Australia
