Global Ukrainian community, Australia, and New Zealand honor fallen heroes

The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) proudly joins Australia and New Zealand in commemorating ANZAC Day on April 25 – a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring the citizens who made the ultimate sacrifice in all wars and conflicts.

Both Australians and New Zealanders have also voluntarily joined Ukraine’s International Legion to fight against Russian forces.

Their selfless sacrifice to give their lives for Ukraine’s freedom has not gone unnoticed by the UWC.

Nataliya Poshyvaylo-Towler, UWC Vice President for Southern and Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Türkiye, and Lebanon, joined in honoring the memory of all who sacrificed their lives in the fight for freedom.

“The ANZAC motto — “Never Again” — echoes with new urgency today as Russian aggression threatens global peace and human dignity,” Poshyvaylo-Towler said. “Ukraine is now the frontline of the same struggle for freedom that ANZAC soldiers once faced.”

Poshyvaylo-Towler highlighted a little-known fact: Ukrainians also fought alongside Australians and New Zealanders in the ANZAC forces.

“One of them was Oleksandr Sast, a private in the 10th Battalion and a native of Odesa. Captured at Gallipoli, he escaped captivity, crossed enemy lines, and returned to the Australian army to continue fighting,” she said.

The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) also released a statement emphasizing the importance of remembering and thanking those who sacrificed their lives for the values and freedoms Australia enjoys today.

“We also take the time today to pay tribute to the brave Australians who have been killed fighting alongside their Ukrainian counterparts to defend Ukraine’s independence and international law since russia’s invasion.”

AFUO affirmed that freedom is worth defending, stating, “the legacy of our ANZACs and the safety of our country and democracy is a testament to that.”

As ANZAC Day is marked with traditional memorial services, military parades, and veteran gatherings, we respectfully remember all who fought and died for peace and freedom. Their sacrifice exemplifies courage and the bond between nations. 

May their memory be eternal.