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Key Points
- Experts say a “shadow fleet” continues to bring Russian oil to Australia via refineries in third countries.
- Members of the Ukrainian-Australian community say more should be done to stop Russian oil entering Australia via such channels.
- A recently launched Senate inquiry will look at how to stop the importation of fuels derived from Russian crude oil.
The Ukrainian community in Australia is raising their voices against the suspected importation of oil products linked to Russia, with a protest that took place on Saturday in Geelong. The demonstration was strategically organized to coincide with the anticipated arrival of a tanker believed to be carrying goods refined from Russian crude oil, a move the protestors vehemently oppose.
Among the group of approximately 50 demonstrators were Oryssia and her mother, Luba Pryslak, who serves as the president of the Association of Ukrainians in Victoria. Luba made her stance clear, labeling the contentious cargo as “blood oil,” a term that underscores the moral outrage felt by the community.
Following the protest, Luba expressed to SBS News the urgency for the Australian government to take action. She emphasized the need to address and seal any loopholes that currently allow these oil products to enter the country. Additionally, she urged a thorough investigation to ensure that existing sanctions against Russian crude oil are enforced effectively.
The protest in Geelong is a reflection of the Ukrainian diaspora’s broader concern and disappointment with the loophole that potentially undermines international sanctions. Their call to action highlights the community’s desire for stricter measures and accountability in preventing the import of Russian refined oil into Australia.
“Australians also expect businesses to prevent their supply chains from inadvertently funding Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine — and we ask businesses to uphold that responsibility,” a DFAT spokesperson told SBS News.
“You’re putting money into the pockets of people who are bombing civilians,” Oryssia said.
HRMMU head Danielle Bell said in early October: “High civilian casualties last month confirm this year’s disturbing pattern of intense violence in Ukraine, as virtually no day passes without civilian deaths or injuries, especially in frontline communities.”
More transparency needed
“We won’t wait until March until we get a report while people are dying and suffering,” she said.
A building in Kyiv following a drone attack the previous night, captured by Oryssia on a recent trip to Ukraine. Source: Supplied
Luba also told SBS News the association wants greater transparency and accountability for private fossil fuel companies when it comes to their supply chain.
“As a result of measures we have already taken, direct Australian imports of Russian energy products have fallen from $80 million to zero since before Russia’s invasion,” the spokesperson said, adding that the government was “evaluating options to place further pressure on Russia’s oil revenues”.
Keeping Ukraine in ‘eyesight’
In February, DFAT said it has committed more than $1.5 billion to help Ukraine defend itself, including more than $1.3 billion in military support through equipment and training.
A photograph taken by Oryssia on a recent trip to Ukraine. Source: Supplied / Oryssia Pryslak
However, with the conflict soon heading into its fourth year, Oryssia is concerned that “war fatigue” could be setting in — “especially with so many horrible things happening all around the world”.
