KUALA LUMPUR – Democratic countries such as Malaysia should abstain from engaging in dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging Ukraine’s diplomatic mission in light of the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe.
Speaking to Scoop, Ukraine’s Chargé d’Affaires in Malaysia, Denys Mykhailiuk, called on all democratic nations to support international sanctions against Russia to end its unlawful invasion of Ukraine. Mykhailuk also labelled Putin a war criminal.
On March 17, 2023, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against Putin for the alleged commission of war crimes during the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Responding to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent confirmation that Malaysia would enhance economic cooperation with Russia, Mykhailiuk warned that strengthening trade relations with the veto-wielding nation could help Russia circumvent international sanctions and bolster its military-industrial complex.
If Malaysia truly seeks peace in Ukraine, Mykhailiuk said, Putrajaya must isolate Putin and cease cooperation with Russia altogether.
“The war of aggression waged by Russia against a sovereign and independent state is a violation of the International Law and the United Nations Charter.
“Breaking the circle of isolation around Putin, expanding trade and political ties with his regime does not correspond with anti-war rhetoric,” Denys said when contacted.
Addressing Malaysia’s stance of avoiding diplomatic relations with Israel over its war crimes in Palestine, Mykhailiuk suggested that maintaining ties with Russia reveals an inconsistency in Putrajaya’s foreign policy. He stressed that “consistency and principle must guide both statements and actions.”
Mykhailiuk also pointed out the siege of Mariupol in 2022, where more than 25,000 civilians were killed by Russian forces.
“Cities, towns, and villages of Ukraine are wiped out by Russian forces.
“Deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure such as hospitals, maternity clinics, power plants, schools, and theatres is the signature of Russian murderers (operating in) Syria to Ukraine,” Mykhailiuk added.
On Thursday, Mykhailiuk also expressed the view that Malaysian officials should visit Kyiv, adding that there has not been high-level contact between the two nations for a long time.
He said such a visit would be consistent with Anwar’s stance at the United Nations General Assembly last year, where he condemned Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
Mykhailiuk’s comments come on the heels of Anwar’s visit with President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Vladivostok, Russia, on Wednesday, where the Tambun MP expressed the desire for a stronger relationship with the veto-wielding nation.
During the bilateral meeting, Anwar, who is slated to become Asean chairman, said that he expects Putin’s participation at Asean’s summit next year.
In addition to receiving an invite to join this year’s Brics Summit from Russia, Anwar also took the opportunity to express his views on the ongoing war in Ukraine. He urged Putin to end the conflict through negotiations instead.
Brics is an intergovernmental organisation comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. – September 7, 2024