Thursday, 29 August 2024

Ukraine Independence Day

Lee TARLAMIS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (10:07): As the Ukrainian diaspora in Australia gathered to celebrate 33 years of Ukraine’s independence last week, the Parliamentary Friends of Ukraine were honoured to welcome two remarkable women to our Parliament, Ruslana Danilkina and Ksenia Ilenkiv from the Superhumans Center in Lviv. Ruslana and Ksenia graciously shared their personal stories with us so we can better understand the impacts of Russia’s illegal, immoral and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine. At just 18 Ruslana courageously volunteered for the armed forces of Ukraine following the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. Ruslana’s story exemplifies the bravery of Ukrainian youth, and as a communications operator her role involved receiving critical intelligence on enemy movements and passing it on to her command, often while working around the clock under extreme stress.

On 10 February 2023 Ruslana’s life changed forever when during a combat mission her military vehicle came under mortar fire. Despite the intense situation, combat medics miraculously saved her life, though her leg was lost. In her words:

I thought that my life was over … my leg was placed near me. Then I realised that my life would change forever from now on!

Initially overwhelmed by the trauma, Ruslana’s indomitable spirit led her to fight for recovery. Now as a 21-year-old war veteran and amputee Ruslana dedicates her life to being an inspiration to others like her who have lost their limbs in the war, as a first-contact specialist in the Superhumans Center, the Ukrainian centre for prosthetics, reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation for war victims. Though much work remains on her rehabilitation and prosthetics, there is no doubt that she will persevere and her goals will be achieved.

As Ruslana and Ksenia spoke of the incredible work of the Superhumans Center, we learned the stark reality that over 100,000 Ukrainians will require their services because of this war, a figure that is only going to increase. These extraordinary women were a palpable reminder of what Ukraine is fighting for – freedom, identity, culture and self-determination. They are a symbol of the strength, courage, resilience and unity of the Ukrainian people. Slava Ukraini.