Blog Welcome to the NAFO APAC’s blog, where we publish news, articles, updates, and cover hot topics.
Fundraising October 31, 2023"Budanov In Action" Fundraiser RunJoin the "Budanov In Action" Fundraiser Run and get early access to a collection of hilarious memes created by Polly. Make a donation to a fundraiser or organization, send a screenshot, and receive a unique code to download the memes. Terms and conditions apply.
News October 27, 2023Here’s What You Need to Know to Help Ukraine – Part 2 – Together for Victory – C’mon Kiwis, Give Fundraising A Go!Find out about the extraordinary volunteer movement that has kept Ukraine alive and functioning – and learn about a selection of trusted, committed and well run volunteer organisations that you may not have heard about. We feature Kiwi K.A.R.E. and Tautoko Ukraine Charity as well as trusted Ukrainian partner organisations you can feel safe supporting.
News October 27, 2023Here’s What You Need to Know to Help Ukraine – Part 1 – Russia Weaponises DisinfoRussian aggression is coming at the world – find out how it works and how you can strengthen support for Ukraine, for stability, for peaceful, expressive democracy and a world based on cooperation, not war.
News October 2, 2023NAFO & Swifties: natural partnersTaylor Swift and Ukraine share values of empowering women, promoting democracy, and opposing authoritarian rule. Recent attacks by MAGA Republicans have challenged their bipartisan support. The alliance between Swift's fanbase (Swifties) and NAFO creates a strong front against the MAGAs.
News September 25, 2023September Fundraising Updates: Successful Campaigns and Ongoing FundraisersTwo thermal imagers were received through successful fundraisers for the 46th Airmobile Brigade and the HyFin Chest Seals. The INFIRAY Saim SCH50 Thermal Scope Fundraiser also brought joy to a special forces brigade. Ongoing fundraisers include the 4x4 Medevac Fundraiser and Supporting Ukraine's Defenders with Genuine CAT Tourniquets
News August 29, 2023Update on Recent August EventsAn update on recent events related to the Ukrainian community in Australia. It includes information on Ukraine Independence Day celebrations, successful fundraising efforts, and ongoing fundraising drives.
Events August 14, 2023NSW: Ukraine Independence Day Events (Thu, 24 Aug)The Ukrainian Council of NSW is hosting events for Ukraine Independence Day, including a charity auction, a documentary screening at NSW Parliament, an art exhibition and fundraiser, and a flag-raising ceremony at Sydney Town Hall. Proceeds will go towards the Defend Ukraine Appeal fund for military and humanitarian aid.
News August 6, 2023Remembering the 15th Anniversary of the War in GeorgiaFifteen years ago, Russia launched a full-scale attack on Georgia, resulting in the loss of innocent lives. The post discusses the response to the attack, including the creation of a website to coordinate efforts and messages of support. It also highlights the hateful rhetoric from some Russians during this time and how it has continued in the years since.
News August 5, 2023#NAFOcares: NAFO Asia Pacific Regiment’s work in the Russian Community in SydneyThe NAFO Asia Pacific Regiment established a search party to locate missing Russians despite the apathy of the pro-Putinist community in Australia. They followed the selfless example of their Honorary Patron, Major General Budanov.
Events August 4, 2023VIC: Upcoming Ukrainian Community Events (Aug, 2023)Ukrainian Independence Day celebrations and an art exhibition featuring Ukrainian artists will take place in Victoria from May to August 2023 at various locations in Essendon and North Melbourne.
News August 4, 2023Thank You Australia: A Story of Solidarity with UkraineAustralia and Ukraine support each other amid global division. A video with messages of thanks from local Ukrainian women shows the difference made through collective efforts. They will continue to strive towards Ukraine's triumph over the aggressor.
Events August 4, 2023NSW: Upcoming Ukrainian Community Events (Aug, 2023)News about the Ukrainian community in Sydney, including a Ukrainian handicrafts meeting, the "Colours of Freedom" art exhibition, the Antytila concert and more.
Events July 29, 2023NSW: Upcoming Ukrainian Community Events (Aug, 2023)News about the Ukrainian community in Sydney, including a Ukrainian handicrafts meeting, the "Colours of Freedom" art exhibition, the Antytila concert and more.
Events July 26, 2023Digest of upcoming events in Vic (week 30-32)Upcoming events in Victoria include the International Action of Planting a Kalyna Bush to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Malvy Branch of the Ukrainian Women's Association of Victoria, art classes for children and adults, a celebration of 1035 years of Ukrainian Christianity, and ballroom dance nights and Ukrainian social dance classes.
Z-Files July 24, 2023Dossier: Simeon "Aussie Cossack" BoikovSimeon "Aussie Cossack" Boikov is an Australian LARPer and political commentator who has rallied neo-Nazi groups to pro-Kremlin demonstrations, assaulted the elderly, and hid in the Russian consulate in Sydney.
Analytics July 23, 2023The problem with neutrality on the Russo-Ukrainian WarThe Russo-Ukrainian War is a struggle for Ukraine's survival as a nation. Russia invaded Ukraine illegally, causing harm to civilians by targeting infrastructure, displacing children, and committing acts of torture and rape.
Z-Files July 22, 2023Getty ImageProsecutor General’s Office is investigating participation of Belarusian Red Cross in deportation of Ukrainian children, - KostinThe Ukrainian Prosecutor General is investigating the Belarusian Red Cross for violating the Geneva Conventions and its principles by deporting Ukrainian children from Russian-occupied territories.
Events July 20, 2023Source: www.unissueddiplomas.orgUniversity of Sydney: Unissiued Diplomas ExhibitionThe Unissued Diplomas exhibition displays 36 diplomas unissued by Ukrainian universities to honour the memory of Ukrainian students who lost their lives in Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Events July 20, 2023Sydney, Thank You Australia RallyAustralia announced a $110 million support package for Ukraine, including military vehicles, artillery ammunition, and humanitarian aid. Additionally, 30 Bushmasters will be sent to Ukraine.
Events July 19, 2023Vasyl Myroshnychenko, a Live Conversation on Russia's War in UkraineVasyl Myroshnychenko, Ukraine's Ambassador to Australia, will speak about Russia's invasion of Ukraine at Anthem Church, 125 Sugar Rd, Alexandra Headland QLD 4572, on Friday, July 28, 2023. The event will provide insights into the ongoing conflict, which has lasted over 500 days.
Events July 19, 2023Ukrainian rock band Antytila to tour Australia and New ZealandUkrainian rock band Antytila is touring Australia and New Zealand for the first time in November 2023, performing in Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland. The band is also committed to supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces and providing humanitarian aid through their Antytila Charitable Foundation.
News July 19, 2023Source: Lowy Institute YouTube channelLowy Institute: "Russia-Ukraine war: Where to next?"The Lowy Institute hosted a discussion with experts Mick Ryan and Zoya Sheftalovich on the evolving war in Ukraine, with Ukraine on the offensive and Russia facing internal political instability due to a failed mutiny by the private Wagner paramilitary group.
News July 18, 2023Source: https://www.ozeukes.com/Community rallies commemorate 9th anniversary of MH17The Ukrainian community in Canberra and Hobart gathered to commemorate the 9th anniversary of the MH17 tragedy, which claimed the lives of 298 individuals, including 38 Australians. The rallies were attended by over 200 people.
News July 12, 2023Source: https://www.ozeukes.com/Defend Ukraine Appeal launchedThe Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) has launched the Defend Ukraine Appeal, the largest community-run fundraising effort in Australia for non-lethal military aid for Ukraine.
Campaigns July 10, 2023Source: https://defendukraineappeal.org/#Utes4Ukraine initiativeThe Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) has launched #Utes4Ukraine to purchase used utes and trucks to be transported to Ukraine, to assist Ukrainian soldiers on the frontline with medical evacuation, mobility of troops and effective logistics.
Z-Files June 22, 2023Getty ImageThe Kyiv Independent: ICRC refuses to disclose number of Ukrainian POWs it visitedThe ICRC has been criticized for not disclosing the number of Ukrainian POWs in Russian captivity and for failing to fulfill its duties in wartime. ICRC representatives claim they cannot perform their duties properly because Russia does not comply with the laws and customs of war.
Z-Files June 8, 2023TheGuardian: Zelenskiy steps up criticism of International Red Cross over inaction at Kakhovka damZelenskiy criticizes the ICRC for slow response to dam breach disaster. ICRC under fire for political prisoner access and inaction on Russian human rights abuses. ICRC faces budget cuts and limited resources.
Z-Files December 24, 2022Insight News: Russian Red Cross collected donations to Russia’s armyThe Russian Red Cross in Kamchatka has been accepting donations, including military supplies and drones, for the Russian army. This has led Ukrainian activists to call for the Russian unit to be expelled from the International Red Cross for violating neutrality in wars and conflicts.
Z-Files December 20, 2022Euromaidan Press: Red Cross Russia office collects military gear for Russian ArmyThe Russian Red Cross has been criticized for collecting military gear for the Russian army, including drones allegedly used against Ukrainian soldiers. The Ukrainian Red Cross has asked the International Red Cross to take action, while activists and human rights advocates demand punishment.
Z-Files December 16, 2022Russian Red Cross accepting donations for military supportThe Russian Red Cross is accepting donations for military support, which could have concerning implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.