E&OE
PETER DUTTON:
On the first-year anniversary of the full scale attack by Russia on the people of Ukraine.
It’s important to not just remind Australians that our approach is a bipartisan approach.
It’s supporting the work that the government is doing and it’s also building on the work of when we were in government under the Morrison administration providing that practical support to help the people of Ukraine.
So Ambassador, I want to say thank you for your leadership as we mark the first anniversary. Perhaps you could just reflect on your time in Australia and where you think the relationship between our two countries is now.
AMBASSADOR OF UKRAINE TO AUSTRALIA VASYL MYROSHNYCHENKO:
For starters, Ukrainians are extremely thankful for the support Australians are sending over to Ukraine.
The feedback that I’m receiving from Ukrainians is overwhelming.
Ukraine must win, because if we don’t win, we undermine the whole rules based international order.
Ukraine must win because we are out there defending democracy, defending human rights – all those values that are so dear to every Australian.
PETER DUTTON:
Now, one of my most enduring memories as Defence Minister was being with you at Pemberley Air Base and we made the announcement of the first 40 Bushmasters that we provided.
But that work’s continued under the Albanese Government, to their credit.
We want a bright future for every child from Ukraine, to see better days and to see Russia exit the country so that those young kids can grow up with the same enthusiasm, love of their country and the rebuild that must take place as well.
President Zelenskyy is a modern day Churchill in my mind – a great leader – and he’s backed up by a great leader in our country.
I want to say thank you for what you’ve done, for the way in which you’ve communicated, that you’ve engaged with us.
I think the people of Ukraine would be very proud of what you’re doing in our country on their behalf.
So, thank you so much for your friendship.
VASYL MYROSHNYCHENKO:
And thanks for bipartisan support.
PETER DUTTON:
Thank you.
[ends]
View the Opposition Leader’s video message here.