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President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Australians to remember Russia’s downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 as he called on further military support from Scott Morrison.
The Ukrainian leader thanked Australia for its support as he addressed Federal Parliament via video link on Thursday night and urged for more international aid to hold back Putin‘s invasion.
During his address, Mr Zelensky referenced flight MH17, which was shot down by Russian-backed separatists, killing all 298 people onboard, including 38 Australians.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Australia to provide more weapons in a powerful speech to Federal Parliament on Thursday
Four men linked to Russian-backed rebel groups are accused of shooting down the passenger jet. All four suspects have denied any involvement and remain at large.
He said if the Russian perpetrators had been held to account in 2014 ‘there would not be any of this terror of invasion of Ukraine in 2022’.
‘The most terrible thing (is) if we don’t stop Russia now, if we don’t hold Russia accountable, then some other countries of the world who are looking forward to a similar war against their neighbours will decide that such things are possible for them as well,’ he told Federal Parliament.
During his address, Mr Zelensky referenced flight MH17 which was shot down by Russian-backed separatists, killing all 298 people onboard, including 38 Australians (pictured, the crash site of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 near the village of Hrabove, eastern Ukraine, in 2014)
‘The fate of global security is decided now.’
He thanked Prime Minister Scott Morrison for his support, but said his country still needs more international aid as they hold back Vladimir Putin‘s invasion.
Mr Morrison confirmed Australia will send an extra $25million worth of military aid to Ukraine, including tactical decoys, unmanned aerial and unmanned ground systems, rations and medical supplies.
The Ukrainian leader said if the Russian perpetrators of MH17 had been held to account in 2014 ‘there would not be any of this terror of invasion of Ukraine in 2022’ (pictured, the Malaysia Airlines flight M17 in 2014)
‘We need your help not in the next couple of months, we need it now. The people of Australia, the distance between our countries is big, we’re separated by oceans and seas, but there is no such thing as distance from the brutality and chaos Russia has brought to the Ukraine,’ President Zelensky told Parliament.
‘Whatever is happening in our region has become a real threat to your country and your people, because this is the nature of the evil. It can instantly cross any distance and destroy lives.’
Mr Morrison offered a powerful opening speech, labelling Putin as ‘the war criminal of Moscow’ and promised Australia’s unwavering support
Mr Morrison offered a powerful opening speech, labelling Putin as ‘the war criminal of Moscow’ and promised Australia’s unwavering support.
‘Australia stands with Ukraine. You have our prayers, but you also have our weapons, and there will be more,’ Mr Morrison said in an opening speech to President Zelenskyy.
‘We stand with you Mr President, and we do not stand with the war criminal of Moscow.’
Labor leader Anthony Albanese compared Putin to Adolf Hitler, saying the world needs to stop the Russian dictator before he is responsible for more deaths.
President Zelensky accused Russia of ‘blackmailing’ the world through nuclear threats and called on Australia to condemn its atrocities through definitive action.
‘The bipartisan support from Australia, we are extremely grateful. This is only the beginning, we should and can do more. We need powerful sanctions before they stop blackmailing other countries with nuclear missiles,’ he said in his parliamentary address.
He warned that if Russia are not promptly stopped, other countries with ‘similar aspirations’ could follow their lead, with Moscow’s aggression posing a ‘real threat’ to world stability.
President Zelensky accused Russia of ‘blackmailing’ the world through nuclear threats and called on Australia to continue to condemn its actions through definitive action
He said all Russian ships should be banned from entering international waters and barred from docking in the ports of other countries as the world attempts to stem the country’s financial resources.
‘No Russian vessels should be allowed in other seas. We should stop all business activities of Russia,’ President Zelensky told Parliament.
He noted the hundreds of Australians who travelled to the country in 2016 to celebrate the debut of the world’s largest plane – the Antonov AN-225, with its nickname translating to ‘Dream’ in English.
Russia destroyed the aircraft on February 28, but the Ukraine president said it would not crush their spirit.
‘We can say that Russia destroyed our ‘Dream’, but no, they just burned down a plane,’ President Zelensky said.
‘But not the essence, not the dignity, not our independence.’
President Zelensky received a standing ovation as he addressed Federal Parliament on Thursday afternoon, with the Ukraine leader putting his hand to his heart
He asked for more military assistance, namely Australia’s Bushmaster four-wheel-drive vehicles, which could be pivotal for ongoing warfare.
‘Most of all we have to keep those who are fighting against this evil armed,’ President Zelensky said.
‘For example you have very good armoured personnel vehicles, Bushmasters, that could help Ukraine substantially, and other pieces of equipment that could strengthen our position in terms of armament.
‘If you have an opportunity to share this with us we would be very grateful.’
President Zelensky said the ‘fate of global security is decided now’ and that it was navigating a time in which precdent would be set for future wars.
The Ukraine leader received another standing ovation from Parliament as he repeatedly thanked Australia for its support at the conclusion of his address.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February, Australia has pledged $116million worth of military assistance, $65million of humanitarian assistance and 70,000 tonnes of thermal coal to meet Ukraine’s energy needs.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February, Australia has pledged $116million worth of military assistance, $65million of humanitarian assistance and 70,000 tonnes of thermal coal
Mr Morrison’s office announced new tariffs on Russia and Belarus in response to their continued efforts to invade Ukraine.
From April 1, Australia will withdraw its Most-Favoured-Nation tariff and apply additional 35 per cent fees on all Russian and Belarusian imports.
Australia has also announced temporary three-year protection visas for Ukrainians fleeing the war.
The timing of Mr Zelensky’s speech has been widely questioned in Canberra, with Labor leader Anthony Albanese’s response to Tuesday’s Budget announcement overshadowed by the presence of the Ukraine president.
President Zelensky has addressed several parliaments including in the UK, US, Canada and EU to thank allies for help to defend his nation.
Source: DailyMail
