Joint Media Release:
- The Hon. Peter Dutton MP, Leader of the Opposition
- The Hon. Andrew Hastie MP, Shadow Minister for Defence
Today we reaffirm our resolute support for Ukraine, its people and its sovereignty as they mark their 33rd Independence Day.
We salute the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people. Their commitment to independence, freedom and democratic principles is a daily inspiration.
For 913 days, Ukrainians have remained resilient and courageous in the face of Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion.
Ukraine’s defiance of Russia’s aggression is not just a defence of their sovereignty and territorial integrity, but a defence of the international rules that we all rely upon.
If Ukraine prevails and prospers, all nations will be a little safer. If Ukraine is abandoned or weakened, autocrats and tyrants will be emboldened.
Russia’s abhorrent and unjustified invasion has been devastating for Ukraine and its people. We mourn the thousands of Ukrainian troops and civilians who have lost their lives, and many more injured.
We acknowledge all of those, of all nationalities, who have suffered as a consequence of President Putin’s aggression and recklessness.
The Coalition, since the beginning of Russia’s attempted full scale invasion of Ukraine, has been unwavering in our support for Ukraine.
Whether military assistance, humanitarian assistance, diplomatic commitment or energy support, we delivered in government and have supported from opposition.
We welcome the assistance provided by the Albanese Government, while maintaining our full bipartisan support and encouragement for them to do more to aid Ukraine’s self-defence.
Our support remains for the government to provide military helicopters or tanks being retired by the Australian Defence Force, military vehicles manufactured in Australia, reinstatement of Australia’s embassy in Kyiv, delivery of more shipments of Australian coal, or other practical assistance to Ukraine.
Ukraine deserves a comprehensive strategy of support from Australia, as so many of our allies and partners are delivering.
As President Zelenskyy has said, the assistance provided to Ukraine is not charity – it’s an investment in global security and democracy.
On Ukraine Independence Day, the Coalition stands with the people of Ukraine and all those who support its struggle against Russia.
Today is another difficult day for those in Australia with friends and family in Ukraine. Our thoughts remain with them as they endure the constant uncertainty facing their loved ones and their homeland.
On this Independence Day, the Coalition pays special tribute to the late Stefan Romaniw OAM. As Co-Chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations and First Vice President of the Ukrainian World Congress, Stefan was a steadfast servant of the Australian Ukraine community as well as a fundraiser and fierce advocate in Ukraine’s fight for freedom. We salute his life and work today.
The Coalition reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Ukraine.
Slava Ukraini.