Ukraine Envoy Says M'sia Needs To Make Stand Clearer & Praises S'pore For Strong Statement
"We have to be very clear who is the invader and the criminal," said Ambassador of Ukraine to Malaysia Olexander Nechytaylo.
By Sabrina Zainal — 26 Feb 2022, 02:07 PM
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, many countries have taken a stand against Russian President Vladimir Putin and condemned the military operation that has killed dozens of people so far.
But what is Malaysia's position in this crisis?
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaacob stated on Twitter earlier this week that the government was saddened by the developments taking place in Ukraine.
Following the tweet, Ukrainian ambassador to Malaysia Olexander Nechytaylo, in an interview with local radio station BFM yesterday, 25 February, acknowledged the statement.
However, the envoy added that there is room for Malaysia to make its position clearer.
"We believe there is room for a clearer position on international law and on the sanctity of the United Nations charter," Nechytaylo said on the show.
"So far, we have to be very clear who is the invader and the criminal," Nechytaylo said when asked about statements issued by several Southeast Asian governments following Russia's military operation in Ukraine.
Nechytaylo also reportedly commended Singapore and Indonesia for issuing strong statements
Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the country is "gravely concerned" by Russia's military offensive and "strongly condemns any unprovoked invasion of a sovereign country under any pretext".
Indonesia's foreign ministry also condemned the Russian invasion, while also called for negotiation and diplomacy to resolve the crisis, reported Channel News Asia.
"Each member of the international community must take a stand. It is no longer about Ukraine or Russia," he told New Straits Times.
"There are only two sides now: the international law and the lawlessness."
However, the Ukrainian ambassador also said he has received emails and text messages from many Malaysians expressing their support for Ukraine
"In the past days and weeks, I have been overwhelmed with so many emails and messages from the general public, business people, and some are from royal families here in Malaysia," he said.
He also thanked Malaysians for their support and solidarity.
"Malaysia is a true friend of Ukraine and we really appreciate it."
Earlier today, 26 February, the Prime Minister issued a fresh statement calling for an immediate de-escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict
"At this critical juncture, every effort should be redoubled to seek a peaceful and amicable solution to the conflict through dialogue and negotiation based on international law and the Charter of the United Nations," he said in the statement.
He also said there are now eight Malaysians and two of their foreign dependants who are currently being evacuated from Kyiv. In the past weeks, 13 Malaysians had already left Ukraine.
