Following is a February 1 release from the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations, which represents 22 top Ukrainian organizations in the country and is a member of the Ukrainian World Congress.
The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations (AFUO) today called on the Australian government to condemn the current escalation of activity of Russian-terrorist forces in the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine.
In a letter to the minister for foreign affairs, Julie Bishop, the AFUO calls on the Australian government to officially protest to the Russian Federation and demand it cease hostilities immediately and comply strictly with the ceasefire.
There have been verified reports of continuing attacks in the area of Avdiyivka in the Donbas, with the use of heavy artillery and mortars. The most recent attacks have occurred in the past two days.
According to the Anti-Terrorist Operation Headquarters and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine reports, Russian troops continue to shell Ukrainian positions, which has resulted in casualties and the destruction of property.
Twenty-five thousand residents of Avdiyivka are now without water, electricity and heat. Given the harsh weather conditions and the continuing shelling by militants, the humanitarian situation in the area continues to deteriorate.
In its circular, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has stated the following:
“These current actions by the Kremlin may qualify as a war crime, a gross violation of the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, the unlawful, wanton and extensive destruction of property not caused by military necessity.”
“The current escalation in the Donbas indicates that the Russian Federation continues to blatantly ignore its obligations under the Minsk Agreement with a view of preventing the stabilization in the Region and in achieving any progress in the security and humanitarian spheres”
The AFUO also calls on the Australian Government to strengthen the political, economic and diplomatic pressure on the Kremlin as this dangerous escalation in the Donbas may lead to a humanitarian catastrophe in the region and a further escalation of warfare.
There is no doubt the issue of Russian aggression in Eastern Ukraine has fallen off the radar in the light of other international events. We appreciate that the Australian Government is monitoring the situation. However, the time has now come again to become far more proactive in sending strong messages internationally that Australia condemns the Russian aggression and will assist Ukraine to ensure that our common values and principles are not eroded or compromised.