Ukrainian President addresses Australian parliament on Russia’s invasion
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiyy will be addressing Australia’s parliament a day after the Senate passed a motion condemning Russia’s invasion.
Ukraine’s ambassador-designate to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko, who arrived in Sydney after escaping Kyiv, expects the president will repeat calls to establish a no-fly zone over Ukraine during his speech.
The ambassador said Ukraine is concerned Russian missiles could inadvertently hit one of the country’s five nuclear power plants, threatening the rest of Europe.
“If we have a no-fly zone over parts of Ukraine, this is what is going to protect the sky and this is what is going to protect the safety and security of entire Europe,” he said.
“Despite any news that there is any progress in the peace negotiations we are very sceptical about the true nature and true intentions of Russia.”
Ambassador Myroshnychenko stated that Australia should expel the Russian ambassador as a statement of support for Ukraine.
“Every time I watch these harrowing pictures and footage from Ukraine… I believe that the Russian ambassador should be expelled,” he said.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese will both speak ahead of President Zelenskiyy’s address to the parliament.
The Prime Minister said the Ukrainian President would undoubtedly make more requests for support, and that Australia would respond in a practical way.
“Australians have been inspired by President Zelenskiy’s resilience and courage, as he, his government and the people of Ukraine defend their homeland against Russia’s brutal, illegal and unjustified invasion,” the Prime Minister said in a statement.
“Australia stands with Ukraine against Russia’s aggression.”
The address comes a day after the Australian Senate passed a motion condemning Russia and countries facilitating the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine through economic and military support.
Australia has provided $91 million in military assistance, $65 million in humanitarian assistance and 70,000 tonnes of thermal coal to meet Ukraine’s energy needs.
The Australian Government has also provided temporary protection visas and support for Ukrainian community groups in the country.
They have also launched targeted sanctions on individuals and entities, the prohibition of energy, oil and gas products from Russia, and a ban on exports of alumina and bauxite to Russia.
The listing of more than 500 individuals and entities is the largest-ever imposition of sanctions by Australia against a single country.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy will address parliament in the House of Representatives at 5.30 pm AEDT on Thursday via video link.
It is expected to be attended by members of the Ukrainian-Australian community as well as ambassadors from various countries.
With AAP
Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.
