House of Representatives Date: 1 September 2025
Speaker:
I give the call to the Member for Fisher.
Andrew Wallace MP:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I want to thank the Member for Adelaide for bringing on this important motion, because it is critical in times like this that Australia stands with like-minded countries like Ukraine. Democracies must stand together against oppression and military attacks, such as we have seen in Ukraine through Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion three and a half years ago.
The efforts of President Zelensky must be highlighted. When Ukraine was first invaded in February 2022, the story has it that President Zelensky was encouraged to flee to save himself and his family, because Russia was expected to take Kyiv in a matter of days. His response, Madam Deputy Speaker, was simple: “I don’t want a lift. What I need is ammunition.” That one line galvanised the Ukrainian people. It inspired them to rally behind their president and resist the totalitarian oppression that President Putin was trying to force upon them.
Now, three and a half years later, Ukraine still maintains control over most of its territory. It has been an absolute tragedy to witness the loss of life in this fight for freedom.
I also want to acknowledge the Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia, Vasil Myroshnychenko. When I was Speaker of the House of Representatives, I was fortunate to help secure an address to our Parliament by President Zelensky, and Vasil was instrumental in facilitating that. He has been a model diplomat, representing Ukraine with extraordinary dedication and pride. He told us the other night at his celebration that he has returned to Ukraine eight or nine times during his posting. No country could ask more of their diplomatic corps.
Vasil, I want you to know that both the Coalition and, I believe, most members of this chamber absolutely support and applaud you and the people of Ukraine for standing against aggression. Hats off to you.
We face many challenges in the world right now. There is conflict in the Middle East, in the subcontinent, in Europe, and there are threats of conflict in Asia. The world is deeply unstable. That is why countries like Australia must stand resolutely with our friends and allies, both in Europe and the Pacific.
Thank you, Vasil, for your work and for the way you have represented your people. There is still much work ahead to secure peace and stability, but we must do it together.
END
Media Contact: Brendan West – 0402 556 646 – Brendan.west@aph.gov.au
