Ukraine community urges Defence Minister Richard Marles to visit Kyiv and lead 'whole of government' assistance effort - ABC News

Kateryna Argyrou told the National Press Club that Ukraine "desperately" needs more military equipment.(AAP: Mick Tsikas)

The Ukrainian community has appealed directly to Defence Minister Richard Marles to lead a "whole of government" approach to better coordinate Australia's military and humanitarian aid to the war-torn country.

In a joint National Press Club address to mark the second anniversary of Russia's invasion, the Ukrainian Ambassador and the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) has outlined the desperate situation faced on the frontline.

"Yes, at this rate we can slowly keep going. But is that acceptable? For how many years should this war drag on?" Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko said.

"We need more, more of everything. We need enough to end this war and to defeat Russia's invasion. 'Hanging on' is not enough."

Asked about Australia's refusal to gift decommissioned military equipment such as Army's former Taipan helicopters, AFUO co-chair Kateryna Argyrou argued it would be better for Ukraine to make its own risk assessments, rather than the Defence Department.

"We as a community, we're happy to step in. If transport is an issue we'll crowd fund, we'll find a way. If it's a risk assessment issue, please let Ukraine make that risk assessment — they're the ones on the frontline," she said.

"Decisions being made by someone that's not in a war situation, it's very different to someone who desperately needs something on the frontline.

"From my last two years of work advocating for more military aid for Ukraine, it is evident that the biggest hand brake is hesitancy in the Department of Defence."

Speaking directly to Mr Marles, who was in the audience, Ms Argyrou thanked his government for its help so far, but warned much more military equipment was needed, including possibly Australia's soon-to-be retired Abrams tanks.

"Please consider those requests because they are desperately needed and they literally go towards saving lives," Ms Argyrou told the Press Club audience, which also included numerous other federal politicians.

"[I] just would like, from our community to the government, to reach out to consider Ukrainian requests because they're desperately needed and if a whole-of-government approach is something that you would be willing to consider, maybe that would help."

Last week, the ABC revealed that Kyiv will soon formally request the Albanese government to consider gifting its aging American-made M1A1 vehicles, which are due to be replaced from next year.

Ambassador Myroshnychenko said his nation would also "definitely welcome" a visit to Ukraine by Australia's defence minister.

"I know that he's interested in doing that, he's told me that a long time ago, and we hope that there will be an opportunity to visit the country," the ambassador said with Mr Marles watching on.

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2024-02-28 06:21:37Z
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