The local effort in a global conflict

AS the war in Ukraine continues, ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko visited Bendigo to acknowledge its role in assisting the fight against Russian invasion.

Mr Myroshnychenko toured the Thales facility where thousands of armoured Bushmasters are made, 60 of which will be deployed in Ukraine.

“These are some of the best armoured personal vehicles out there, because of their design and V-shape which is very protective,” he said. “They’re helping military personnel to survive when the vehicle hits a mine.

“To see the employees, the leadership of the company, and the way it’s designed, it was very enriching and insightful, and I’ve truly enjoyed it. Bushmasters are out there helping Ukrainians and saving lives.”

The vehicles can carry 10 troops and are built with a welded one-piece shell, providing protection from landmines and small arms fire.

Mr Myroshnychenko said Australia has contributed $400 million in military assistance, $60 million in humanitarian assistance. and sent 70,000 tons of coal to aid Ukraine.

The Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, also toured the Thales facility last week, to thank the staff making the armoured vehicles.

He said not a single solider had been killed by an IED while in a Bushmaster.

“That’s the contribution that Bendigo makes to our national defence and that’s a contribution we hope to see them making into the future through supplying these vehicles,” he said.

The site has also produced the highly mobile and protected Hawkeis, of which the Australian Defence Force has ordered 1100.

Last Wednesday, the Ukraine ambassador met with two Ukrainian refugees who live in Kangaroo Flat, Halyna and Stefan Nykyforuk.

The couple arrived in Bendigo in May, after Ms Nykyforuk’s uncle, Ray Slywka, organised their safe trip from a refugee camp in Poland.

“We’re very happy to be here in Bendigo,” Ms Nykyforuk said “The people have been very welcoming and supportive with donations. We feel very at home here.”

While the couple is settling into Bendigo, they are in constant communication with their home country and especially their two sons, aged 22 and 18, the oldest of which serves as a police officer.

Mr Myroshnychenko said the support from Australia doesn’t go unnoticed in Ukraine.

“It’s really heartbreaking to see what’s happening there,” he said. “When I meet Australians, I see how passionate and sympathetic they are about Ukraine and this is what gives me confidence that Ukraine will prevail.

“[I’m confident] the Australian government will continue to support Ukraine because at a grassroots level the support is massive for Ukraine.”