The West assists Ukraine, but you will win because of the love and devotion of Ukrainian people for their country - ex-Prime Minister of Australia

The assistance of the West has strengthened Ukraine, and will be of great importance for the counteroffensive. Resulting from the latter, Ukrainian territories will be freed from Russian troops. Still, it is not weapons that play a key role in victory – it is the love and devotion of Ukrainians for their country.

This was emphasized by the Anthony Abbott, Prime Minister of Australia in 2013-15, during his honorary address at the 15^th annual Kyiv Security Forum, established by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s “Open Ukraine” Foundation.

“It took me 24 hours by plane, 6 hours by car, and 12 hours by train to get here. But I’m so glad to have made it. After all, here I can salute the Ukrainian military fighting for democracy,” he said at the beginning of his speech.

The ex-Prime Minister of Australia emphasized his strong appreciation of Ukraine’s support at international level in the fight against Russian aggression since July 2014, when Russia shot down a Malaysian Airlines civilian plane over Donbas, with Australian citizens aboard among other nationals.

“And then I told our parliament that a large country intimidating a small country so satisfy its own interests should not happen in the modern world. And I have always wanted justice to bring punishment to perpetrators of this crime, he emphasized.

Anthony Abbott emphasized the way Ukraine withstands the Russians, “because Ukraine defends its land. And the Russians fight only to obey their master.”

“American weapons and Western aid have really done a lot for Ukraine and will be of great importance for the counteroffensive, resulting from which the Russian troops will be thrown out of the territory of Ukraine. Still, it will not be only weapons to achieve this but, most importantly, the love and devotion of Ukrainians to their homeland,” he is convinced.

The ex-Prime Minister stated that the current Government of Australia wants to be a friend of Ukraine and will extend all necessary support to the Ukrainian people in counteracting the aggressor.

Noteworthy, the 15^th annual Kyiv Security Forum “For Our and Your Freedom/ Fighting for NATO” will be held on May 25-26, 2023, with the participation of well-known international figures. In particular, at the Forum, the KSF Security Council will be formed and a policy document will be adopted with recommendations for the NATO summit in Vilnius to be held this July.