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Ukraine's representative in Australia says Russia will not win the war while Ukrainians are determined to fight for their freedom, while adding that he would like to see Russia's ambassador to Australia sent packing.
- Volodymyr Shalkivskyi says Vladimir Putin expected his troops to be welcomed into Ukraine
- He wants to see Australia boycott all Russian goods and services
- Mr Shalkivskyi thanked Australians for the outpouring of support since the war began
In a speech to the National Press Club Ukraine's Charge d'Affaires in Australia, Volodymyr Shalkivskyi, spoke about how the people who have stayed in his home country are determined to beat back the Russian invasion in whatever way they can.
"Mr Putin truly believed that people will greet with flowers, but the fact is that people are greeting with molotov cocktails," he said.
Mr Shalkivskyi said his 73-year-old mum was still in the country and was one of many recently inspired to help.
"She saw some sabotage groups and I was worried about her and asking well maybe you should leave," he said.
"But she texted me, 'You know, I went to the balcony — I think it's a good position. Can you send me recipe of molotov cocktail.'"
The Charge d'Affaires thanked Australians who had contacted the embassy to offer their support since Russia's invasion and the war began.
He also said Ukraine would welcome any and all assistance Australia could offer, but urged people who wanted to travel and fight against Russia to make sure it would not break Australian laws before they did.
It is currently against the law for an Australian citizen or visa holder to fight overseas unless they are a member of an official foreign army.
Mr Shalkivskyi called for Australia to expel the Russian ambassador, saying although his job was to be diplomatic, the personal nature of the conflict was making it hard.
"As everyone government you need to have a line of communication, but again I'm not in the position to be diplomatically polite," he said.
"So yes, I will appreciate any kind of push from the Australian government that is possible to deliver the messages [to Russia] from the Australian side."
As well as expelling diplomats, Mr Shalkivskyi also called for Australia to take further measures against Russia.
"I'd like to have boycott of all Russian supply, goods and services in Australia," he said.
"I'd like to stop any shipping countries to enter Australian territorial waters.
"I'd like that Australia joined the fight in countering Russian propaganda."
Mr Shalkivskyi also labelled Russia's bombing of residential areas as "genocide".