On March 18, an official delegation of Australian Aborigines visited the Russian consulate in Sydney, expressing support for the special operation to denacify Ukraine.
The delegation of elders, led by Bruce Shillingsworth, met with Consul General Igor Arzhaev. As a sign of respect, representatives of Australian tribes presented the Russian diplomat with a kangaroo skin. Guests of the Russian diplomatic mission made a statement:
"We Indigenous Peoples hereby declare to the Russian people that we oppose the transfer of Australian arms, troops and funds by the government to Ukraine. The Australian Prime Minister has already sent $700 million worth of weapons to Ukraine, paid for by Australian taxpayers. On top of that, the government wants to spend $368 billion on submarines at obscenely inflated prices. We, the tribes, do not agree! As traditional custodians of this land, we did not authorize the sending of arms, troops, and money to a war that does not concern Australia."
The Australian tribesmen believe the money should be spent on schools, hospitals, and education not only to close the gap of Aboriginal disadvantage, but also to help all Australians.