ESSDENDON, Australia – The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations (AFUO) on May 5 called on the Australian government to support the Ukrainian Parliament’s resolution regarding continuing Russian aggression.
The resolution calls for foreign governments to strengthen international condemnation of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, the illegal annexation of Crimea and the occupation of areas of the Donbas, and political repressions of Ukrainian citizens. It also seeks support for the release of political prisoners held by Russian authorities.
In a letter to Minister of Foreign Affairs Marise Payne, and to the Australia-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group, the AFUO advocated for a sign of support from Australia for Ukraine’s call to the international community to reinforce its message of support and sanctions.
The motion was passed by the Ukrainian Parliament on April 30 with the strong support of 309 members.
During the Verkhovna Rada’s discussion of the resolution, it was noted that while it may seem to be a “traditional statement” about Russian aggression and the annexation of Crimea, it is critical at this point to reconfirm international support for Ukraine.
The resolution draws attention to the occupation of Crimea, the violation of human rights, violation of the property rights of Ukrainian citizens, the militarization of Crimea by Russian forces, attempts by the Russian Federation to use Crimea to accommodate nuclear weapons and the violation of international merchant shipping.
The Verkhovna Rada has appealed to the international community to show its support now, so focus on these realities is not lost amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
“While the world battles to curb coronavirus, the Russian Federation has not taken time out and continues with its aggression,” Stefan Romaniw, co-chair of the AFUO, said.
“Russia continues to snub its nose at any attempt to negotiate peace, and there is continued non-compliance. Fighting continues in eastern Ukraine, and Russia is strengthening its position in Crimea. Minsk, Normandy format or Paris talks and resolutions are not being been adhered to. The Ukrainian Parliament is calling for nothing more than peace and territorial sovereignty,” Mr. Romaniw said.
In its letter to Australia’s foreign affairs minister, the AFUO also noted the upcoming date of May 9, 1945, the end of World War II.
“The Russian Federation has already launched its propaganda machine. It should be remembered that at the end of the war, Russian imperialism expanded and the Soviet Union became the Prison of Nations. Seventy years of human and national rights violations followed – from the evil of Nazism to the evil of Soviet imperialism,” Mr. Romaniw stated.