Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the attacks launched against Ukraine by Russia.
The ministry said last evening that they stand by Ukraine and called upon Moscow to end the attacks immediately, adding that it was stunned and worried by Russia’s decision to invade yesterday.
“Singapore strongly condemns any unprovoked invasion of a sovereign country under any pretext,” it said in a statement.
“We reiterate that the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine must be respected,” it added.
While no protests have been called in Singapore, where unpermitted gatherings are illegal, people are encouraged to help by countering misinformation with verified information from Ukraine’s official English-language sources and channels such as government websites and social media accounts.
Donations can also be made to Ukraine’s main charity fund and its national bank.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced yesterday that he had ordered “a special military operation” in neighboring country Ukraine after he deemed the country a threat for not allowing Russia to feel “safe, develop and exist” following years of strained bilateral relations.
Russian tanks and troops have invaded its multiple areas – Kharkiv, Luhansk, Belarus, Crimea – along its border and fired missiles.
Some Ukrainians have stayed indoors while others have fled to the nation’s capital Kyiv and taken refuge in underground train stations.
Global stock prices have since taken a nosedive, and oil prices surged above US$100 a barrel.
While in Russia, at least 1,600 people have been arrested by the Russian police for protesting against the war in 51 cities such as St. Petersburg.
“Hope” is what Singapore can rely on now, the ministry implied in its wish for the violence to end swiftly and peacefully.
“We hope military actions will cease immediately; and urge a peaceful settlement of the dispute, in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.”
The MFA declined to comment on the number of Singaporeans in Ukraine and actions taken to assist them.
Singapore’s Russian embassy yesterday urged the Ukrainians in Singapore to “remain calm and restrained” and says it is against Ukraine’s “Nazi-driven government” but not Ukrainians.
Singapore’s MFA said Tuesday it was “gravely concerned” about the escalated tensions between the countries and advised the parties to talk it out, which unfortunately did not happen.
“All parties concerned should continue to pursue dialogue, including diplomatic means, towards a peaceful settlement of the dispute, in accordance with international law, and avoid action that will further raise tensions in the region,” it wrote.
Hundreds of people, including many women and children are currently taking shelter inside a subway station in Kharkiv, #Ukraine as explosions are heard in the city. @washingtonpost pic.twitter.com/ZddeHqlMvU
— Salwan Georges (@salwangeorges) February 24, 2022
#Ukraine 🇺🇦: anti-war protests are growing tonight in #StPetersburg (🇷🇺). pic.twitter.com/J4FT2HK4Wr
— Thomas van Linge (@ThomasVLinge) February 24, 2022
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