Australian PM visits Ukraine's Irpin, Bucha & Hostomel as Russian offensive continues

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Ukrainian towns of Bucha, Irpin and Hostomel on Sunday and took a closer look at destruction unleashed by Russian forces since onset of war with Ukraine. Briefing about his visit, he of Kyiv Regional Military ministration Oleksiy Kuleba, who was also accompanied by Australian leer, took to Telegram messaging app and wrote, "Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese visited Kyiv region. delegation visited Bucha, Hostomel and Irpin."

As per Kuleba, Albanese was shocked by what he saw: destroyed civilian houses, traces of mines, and destroyed Antonova airport. Meanwhile, while visiting Bucha, where bodies of at least 410 civilians were found earlier in April this year, he denounced killing of civilians and affirmed his support for country. Furr, he vocated for fair punishment for war crimes committed by Russian forces since onset of war. "Australia supports Ukraine and vocates fair punishment for crimes committed here," Prime Minister said.

Later, he also visited Gostomel Airport, where world’s largest transport plane Antonov AN-225 was parked at time of attack. He noted that magnificent six-engine aircraft was destroyed in battle for control of airport. Meanwhile, expressing gratitude to Australian Prime Minister, Kuleba said he was grateful to  delegation for ir in-person visit to war-torn Ukrainian cities. war in Ukraine, in centre of Europe, must remain on world agenda, he stressed. 

Russia-Ukraine war 

It is worth mentioning here that Russia initiated a full-fledged war against Ukraine nearly two days after Russian President Vlimir Putin signed a decree recognising independence of breakaway regions Donetsk and Luhansk. Putin's action came despite West's repetitive warning and speculations about his ill intention to inve Ukraine.

On February 24, Russian troops started a military offensive against Ukraine. Since n, it has been bombarding several cities in Ukraine, resulting in killing of thousands of civilians. In latest development, Russia’s defence minister said Russian forces took control of last major Ukrainian-held city in Ukraine’s Luhansk province, bringing Moscow closer to its stated goal of seizing all of Ukraine’s Donbas region. However, Ukrainian officials did not immediately provide any update on Russia's claims.

(Image: @OleksiyKuleba/Telegram)