Peaceful demonstrations initiated by Canberrans outside the Russian Embassy have been protesting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine every day this week, and activists don’t plan on putting down their signs just yet.
Ivan Slavich, CEO of Solider On and a prominent Canberran of Ukrainian descent, has family in Ukraine currently hiding in bomb shelters attempting to escape the senseless attack.
“I’ve been talking to multiple family members every day. They’re safe at the moment, but some have military service and have been called up by defence,” says Mr Slavich.
“They’re getting into uniform to defend their country. They’re scared and concerned for their loved ones, but they’re very defiant. Morale is high among Ukrainians.”
Mr Slavich has been protesting outside the Russian Embassy in Canberra every day since the war began, and he says it’s a peaceful demonstration.
“Ukrainians are peaceful people, and the protests have been peaceful, but still defiant. There have been Russians working in the embassy coming and going and they would have seen our placards, but they haven’t interacted with us,” he says.
The demonstrations are taking place every weekday between 12.30pm and 1.30pm outside the Russian Embassy, and at 10am on Saturdays, and he encourages all Canberrans to come along.
Mr Slavich has a clear message for the Russian diplomats in Canberra – “Russia, get out of Ukraine”.
“Ukraine is a separate, sovereign country that is not part of Russia. It’s been independent since 1991, and Ukrainians will defend their homeland vigorously,” says Mr Slavich.
“This is Putin’s war. We a know lots of Russian people are aghast at what is happening, and we want peace with Russia – we don’t want war. Get out of Ukraine.”
Mr Slavich is pleased to see Prime Minister Scott Morrison sending lethal aid to Ukraine, along with the bipartisan support from the Labor Party.
He is hoping NATO would support a no-fly zone over Ukraine, so “at least civilians won’t get killed”.
“I just think it’s really sad to see war in Europe. This is the most aggressive military act since 1939 – it’s on a different scale and ultimately a failure in diplomacy,” says Mr Slavich.
“What is Putin trying to achieve? He’s trying to establish the Soviet Union. It’s different when militaries fight but when innocent civilians are being killed … it’s so wrong.
“Russian soldiers don’t even know what they’re doing there or why they’re there. There’s innocent lives being killed on both sides.”
He says Canberrans can show support to Ukraine by donating money to the range of different organisations that are working on the ground.
“There’s no need for war,” says Mr Slavich.
“We just need peace.”
Mr Slavich’s views are his own personal opinions, and in no way represent the views of Solider On.
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