AFUO releases interim results on campaign against Russian oil

The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) has shared an update on its nationwide #StopFuellingRussiasWar campaign, which calls on the Australian government to close a loophole that allows Russia to profit from selling raw materials to Australia via third-party countries

According to AFUO research published in the media, the tanker Proteus Stephanie, which docked at Sydney’s Port Botany Oct. 26, transferred roughly $12.5 million to the Kremlin’s coffers. 

Since early July, eight such shipments of “blood oil” have already brought Russia over $123 million to buttress its war machine against Ukraine.

AFUO is working with international experts, including the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), analyst Mark Corrigan, Prof. Anton Moiseienko from the Australian National University, and legal advisors, to strengthen the case for government reform.

In response to AFUO’s findings, activists have staged protests in Sydney and Perth whenever tankers carrying Russian-linked oil arrive at Australian ports. These events have received extensive coverage in national media outlets, including ABC News, Sydney Morning Herald/The Age, Australian Financial Review, The Herald Sun, SBS News, The West Australian, 9 News, 7 News, 10 News, and others.

Meanwhile, AFUO is pushing ahead with its political advocacy campaign. 

After sending letters to all members of Parliament, the organization is working closely with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, opposition leaders, and lawmakers who have already expressed support for the initiative.

During a recent advocacy tour, Ukrainian officers — Lt-Col Andrii Berezovskyi and Col. Mykola Fedkalov — met with Australian leaders to explain the impact of Russian attacks on the front lines and to call for the loophole to be closed.

The public campaign is also gaining momentum: over 270 letters have already been sent to members of parliament demanding a stop to fuel imports linked to Russia.

AFUO emphasizes that if Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government does not take decisive action, the organization will push for an official investigation into this unethical sanction gap.

“The time for action is now. Every day of delay prolongs the death, suffering and destruction in Ukraine,” AFUO said.

The #StopFuellingRussiasWar campaign continues with the support of the Ukrainian community and its partners.