Distasteful Russian propaganda

I refer to the interview with the Russian Ambassador which CW published on 7 November. I find this interview at best outrageously distasteful and Russian propaganda at best, yet published in an Australian magazine? Some of the points I would like to make in response:

In response to being asked the root cause of the conflict, the ambassador states firstly, the military assimilation of Ukraine by NATO. Excuse me? Ukraine IS STILL NOT a member of NATO despite the aggression from Russia. In fact, as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Finland and Sweden are now members. So, has Russia’s invasion backfired?

He also speaks of Australia helping prolong the senseless slaughter of Ukrainians. This senseless slaughter is Russia’s fault – make no mistake. If Russia had not invaded Ukraine, many, many Ukrainians (both military and civilian) would still be alive (not to mention Russians). 

Lastly, the interview is not authored. If you are proud of your work, shouldn’t you be brave enough to sign it rather than act as part of Russia’s propaganda machine? This interview is a slap in the face to all Australians and the only fair action now is to give the Ukrainian Ambassador the right to reply.

• Andrew Liszczynsky, Friends of Ukraine Canberra Queanbeyan

Russian Ambassador’s ‘distressing’ comments

No country has the right to breach the borders of a sovereign, democratic and independent country, with a full-scale invasion and war, yet this is precisely what occurred on 22 February 2022. As we know when the army of the Russian Federation breached Ukraine’s borders with a full-scale invasion. Russia has forcibly deported almost 20,000 Ukrainian children, assigned them Russian citizenship, forcibly adopted them into Russian families. 3.7 million people remain displaced within Ukraine, 6.3 million Ukrainians were forced to leave due to the war. Since February 2022, over 3,790 education facilities have been damaged or destroyed. The Russian Ambassador’s unapologetic and glib opinion piece (Canberra Weekly 7 November) is distressing not only to Ukrainians, but to those who believe in and value the rule of rule, international boundaries, sovereignty, freedom and independence.

The cover of CW states that is contains ‘Exclusive interview with the Russian Ambassador’, yet no journalist’s name is attached to the article. As such who interviewed the Russian Ambassador is not attributed. On 19 November 2024, it will be 1,000 Days of the War on Ukraine by Russia. I would encourage CW to run an article about the courage, heroism and resilience of the Ukrainian Nation.

CW has previously interviewed Friends of Ukraine Canberra-Queanbeyan about our support for Ukraine. With supporters of many countries of heritage including Australia, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Austria, USA, Poland, Hungary, New Zealand and others, we have kept vigil in front of the Embassy of the Russian Federation, continuously each Saturday since February 2022.

• Marusya Jacyshyn, Friends of Ukraine Canberra-Queanbeyan

Interview with the Russian Ambassador

I must congratulate CW on this interview. Not that I agree with the Ambassador – I don’t. However, it is important, that in our democracy, that we have the opportunity to see both sides of this situation. And, although the name of the interviewer is not provided, he/she is to be complimented on their considered approach of their questions. I don’t know whether a similar article promoting the Ukrainian perspective would be published in the Ambassador’s own country, but it reminds me of the quote of Hall on the Voltairean principle, ‘I wholly disapprove of what you say – and will defend to the death your right to say it ‘. The Ambassador mentions the Nazi collaborator Stepan Bandera. I wasn’t familiar with the name, so I Googled it (as you do); and the Ambassador is correct . It appears he was a Nazi sympathiser – although Ukrainians are deeply divided about him. However, what the Ambassador didn’t say was that the KGB assassinated him in 1959. Finally, I’d love to see more articles like this – what about talking to the US Ambassador about the recent US Election? 

• Martin Jennings, Deakin

‘Un-Australian’ platform for Russia’s justifications

I must write to protest the three pages your magazine has given the Russian Ambassador to justify Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which I believe to be very un-Australian. The Russian Ambassador’s comments on Ukraine and the West reveal a disregard for the sovereignty and self-determination of neighbouring nations, as well as a dismissive stance toward international norms. Russia’s ongoing hostility toward Ukraine has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis, with thousands of civilian casualties and widespread displacement. The incursion into Ukraine, initiated under the guise of protecting ethnic Russians and combating NATO influence, is widely recognized as an unprovoked assault aimed at reasserting influence over Eastern Europe.

Moreover, Russian hostility extends beyond Ukraine, manifesting in cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and diplomatic pressure across Western nations, which only deepens global instability. Rather than addressing these issues, the Russian Ambassador’s statements attempt to deflect blame onto Western alliances, including Australia. However, the international community, including Australia, has every right to stand in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and condemn aggressive actions that threaten regional peace.

Russia’s refusal to respect international boundaries and its disregard for civilian welfare undermines global trust, harms diplomatic relations, and stokes division. It is essential that democratic nations continue to stand united against this aggression, advocating for a peaceful and just resolution that honours Ukraine’s autonomy and upholds international law.

• Errol Good, MacGregor

Stefaniak’s risky call

In his latest column, Bill Stefaniak suggests that the US and Israel could join forces and destroy Iran’s nuclear capacity as well as other strategic assets, as a way of weakening Hezbollah and Hamas (CW 7 November). The risks in Mr Stefaniak’s suggestion are too great. For one thing, Russia is likely to get involved, as it would see itself nearing the end of its Ukrainian operation and soon in a position to handle another mission. Rather than create the “real opportunity for peace in the Middle East” that Mr Stefaniak suggests, the world would edge closer to WWIII. Russia and Iran have strong trade links, which have increased after the West placed sanctions on the former. Russia was also involved in the Syrian war against the then Syrian opposition and Islamic State, and it still has an air base in Latakia province, western Syria.

• Herman van de Brug, Holt

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