Key meetings this week with senior Australian political leaders and the President of the Ukrainian World Congress – Свiтовий Конґрес Українців, Mr Paul Grod.
The AFUO was proud to facilitate a series of meetings this week for the UWC President with Brad Battin MP, Leader of the Victorian State Opposition, Matthew Guy MP (of Ukrainian descent) and Mr Lee Tarlamis MP OAM MP, Co-Chairs of the Victorian Australia-Ukraine Friends of Ukraine Group as well as David Coleman – Member for Banks, Federal Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs.
The AFUO deeply appreciates the role of His Excellency Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Ukrainian Ambassador, in organising a meeting with the Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and inviting Ukrainian community leaders to join the meeting.
Key Discussions in Victoria
The UWC President highlighted key priorities for the UWC and how the Australian government can play a pivotal role in supporting Ukraine:
- Strengthening the “Coalition of the Willing” – encouraging Australia to take the lead in the South Pacific region.
- Rebuilding Ukraine through business partnerships – supporting Australian businesses to foster B2B connections, especially in the defence sector and investments.
- Formal recognition of the Holodomor as genocide & the establishment of dedicated memorial site.
In the meeting with the Victorian Premier, Ms Allan reaffirmed her steadfast support of Ukraine. Discussions centered on exploring bilateral partnership opportunities between Victoria and Ukraine.
Key Discussions in NSW
During the meeting with Mr Coleman, a wide range of topics were discussed including:
- Ongoing military aid for Ukraine
- Strengthening Australia’s sanctions regime – to prevent funding russia’s war machine (eg restricting russian oil from entering Australia in refined petroleum products)
- Redirecting frozen russian assets – to support Ukraine’s defence and recovery
- Countering russia’s ongoing information warfare
- Formal recognition of the Holodomor as genocide by the Australian Parliament
We sincerely thank the strong delegation which participated in the Victorian meetings – His Excellency Vasyl Myroshnychenko – Ukrainian Ambassador, Very Rev. Mitred Archpriest Fr. Simon Ckuj – Parochial Vicar of Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral Parish, Nataliya Poshyvaylo-Towler – Regional Vice President UWC, Eugene Hawryszko – AUV President and Chrestyna Kmetj – AFUO Board member.
In NSW, we extend our gratitude to AFUO Chair, Kateryna Argyrou, and Nadia Mencinsky, AFUO Communications Manager, for their leadership and contributions.
Together, we will continue advocating for Ukraine and its just and rightful fight for peace and freedom.
