Ukrainians in Australia grateful for new aid package to Ukraine, urge continued support

The Ukrainian community in Australia welcomes Australia’s decision to allocate an additional $100 million aid package to Ukraine.

“The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) is thrilled with Richard Marles’s visit to Ukraine. Being in Ukraine now means understanding the reality of war, feeling its impact on the community. We are glad that the minister found time to visit Ukraine, and we believe that his visit will further sharpen the understanding of what is at stake in this struggle – not only for Ukraine but also for liberal democracies and the global world based on rules and order,” said Stefan Romaniw, the UWC First Vice President and Co-Chair of the AFUO.

AFUO also called on the country’s government to include support for Ukraine in the upcoming Australian federal budget. “This is extremely necessary to overcome the indecision of the Ministry of Defense, which seems increasingly reluctant to promise money or equipment to Ukraine – even what Australia does not need, such as Taipan helicopters,” Romaniw said.

Australia’s assistance to Ukraine has significantly decreased compared to 2022. “Australia was a leading partner of Ukraine, which is not a NATO member. Now we are in fifth place. reduction scaletion reflects our contribution vividly: Australia ranks 35th out of 41 donor countries by GDP, according to data from the Kiel Institute. We are the last among G20 developed countries supporting Ukraine,” emphasized Romaniw.

The Ukrainian community expressed “incredible gratitude for Australia’s contribution,” but stated that “it is time to be bold, double the efforts, and act quickly.”

“Help Ukrainians hold the front. Protecting democracy is not easy – it takes time and money. But this is what we must do,” the AFUO emphasized.