Lt-Col Berezovskyi (Armed Forces of Ukraine) is a beloved figure in our community. During last year’s Australian tour, he advocated for Abrams tanks and helped raise over $120,000 for life-saving aid through AFUO’s Defend Ukraine Appeal. He has fought in the liberation of Kherson, the defence of Avdiivka, the battle of Bakhmut, and the Kursk offensive.
Colonel Fedkalov leads the State Emergency Services in Odesa, one of the hardest-hit regions under russian attack. His teams carry out dangerous rescue missions, saving countless civilian lives amid missiles and drone strikes.
“Every single day my brothers and sisters in arms give thanks to the Australian people,” said Lt-Col Berezovskyi to 7 News.
“The enemy has no limits… missiles at kindergartens, hospitals, schools,” said Colonel Fedkalov to 10+ News.
Their mission: to advocate for urgent military and emergency services aid; and to strengthen vital partnerships across Australia in defence of Ukraine’s resilience, sovereignty and ability to save lives and rebuild.
Australia has contributed $1.3bn in military aid, including Bushmasters and Abrams, but no new military support has been donated this year. The AFUO is continuing to urge the Government to help Ukraine by donating Bushmasters, Hawkei’s and retired military equipment.
“There’s absolutely no reason why that decommissioned equipment can’t be donated to Ukraine,” said AFUO Chair Kateryna Argyrou.
High-level meetings are scheduled with Government leaders and senior MPs, Army chiefs, ADF Forces Command, Special Operations and Joint Operations Command, retired Maj General Mick Ryan, Australian defence industry companies, emergency services leadership and philanthropic leaders.
Their arrival was warmly celebrated by the Sydney Ukrainian community at the airport – a moment captured by 7 News and 10+. Thank you to journalists Chris Reason and Claudia Vrdoljak for reporting about this important advocacy tour.
Watch the interviews here: afuo.org.au/media/in-the-news
