Ukrainians in SA rally at Parliament House calls on everyone to stand with Ukraine

Ukrainians in South Australia are calling on the community to “stand with Ukraine” against Russian aggression after a rally on the steps of Parliament House on Sunday.

Ukrainians in South Australia held a rally in support of Ukraine on the steps of Parliament House on Sunday afternoon, which was attended by hundreds of people of all ages.

They prayed for peace, sang the national anthem and read resolutions condeming the action of Russian President Vladimir Putin and calling on South Australians to “stand with Ukraine”.

Yuliya Zhylikhovska fled Ukraine at the start of the conflict eight years ago and now lives in Glenelg with three young children.

“We feel very, very sorry for families back in Ukraine … we cannot move them with us,” she said. “I have spoken with my mum today and she’s crying, because she doesn’t know what she needs to do in this situation.”

She said she longed for Ukraine to be an “independent, peaceful country”.

Ukrainian supporters L to R: Siblings Olivia Myroniuk, 9, Sophie Myroniuk, 9, Mother and daughter Yuliya Zhylikhovska and Milan Zhylikhovska, 9 at the Association of Ukrainians in South Australia rally in support of Ukraine on Sunday. Picture Emma Brasier

President of the Association of Ukrainians in SA, Frank Fursenko organised the event.

“The Australian-Ukrainian community needs the support of the Australian government and seeks the support of the wider Australian community at this critical time,” he said.

He also said “a number of politicians were invited to attend and speak” but only Labor addressed the crowd, SA Labor leader Peter Malinauskas and federal senator Don Farrell.

Peter Malinauskas, Leader of the Opposition, stands with Ukrainian supporters L to R Olia Guseva, 9, Ilya Kalenuik, 9, Milana Kalenuik, 7, and Mother Aliona Kalenuik at rally. Picture Emma Brasier

This was part of national action, organised by the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations. Similar rallies will also be held in Canada, USA and Europe.

Aliona King of Mitcham has lived in South Australia for 22 years and holds grave fears for family overseas. She runs the SLAVA Ukrainian Cultural Centre at Torrensville.

“I’m from a city only 30 kilometres away from where the Russian border is and the tents …

where the danger is,” she said.

“My family: My brother, my nephew, my dad, my uncles and aunties and cousins are all there and I’m really, really worried.”