Despite being a small country, Singapore has to take a stand against the Russian attacks on Ukraine because it goes against our principles if we don’t.
That was the message Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan had last night on Channel 5’s News Tonight, where he elaborated on the country’s position on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that began two weeks ago.
“You know, some Singaporeans have asked me, why is a tiny city-state like us, 8,000 kilometers from Ukraine, taking such a strong stand? Precisely because we are a small, tiny, city-state,” he said to news presenter Jill Neubronner.
“If we do not stand up now on principle, without taking sides, to state that there has to be respect for international law, for independence, for sovereignty, and for the territorial integrity of smaller countries, our world that we are going to live in is going to be a very dangerous world,” he added.
In response to the impact the invasion will have on Singapore, Balakrishnan told viewers to not “underestimate” it, as the economy will be affected for some time.
“But whatever it is, the impact on the economy, impact on norms – do not underestimate (it). This is going to be a long-term problem,” he said, adding that he can only “hope and pray” that the conflict will end so that the economy can recover.
Spiking oil prices that are driving up costs at the pump and utilities are among the most immediate and tangible results.
He reiterated that Singapore is not taking any side and is not involved in any disputes between Russia and Ukraine. It is about “respect” for each country and “establishing the norms of behavior at state level.”
There’s also the fact that Singapore has maintained a certain paranoia about its relationship with much-larger Malaysia, of which it was once part.
Balakrishnan boasted about his relationship with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who he said “knows exactly” Singapore’s stance.
“The point is, I am saying it is possible to take a stand without taking sides. It is possible to construct or reconstruct or repair relations, but to do so in a principled, and consistent and reliable way – that is what makes Singapore relevant, useful, and a partner that people take seriously,” he said.
After Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the invasion on Feb. 24, Balakrishnan said days later that Singapore would impose export controls on weapons used in Ukraine and restrict financial transactions involving Russian banks.
The ministry added Saturday that the weapons included items that contribute to “offensive cyber operations,” and it would ban any transfer of military weapons and high technology goods to Russia.
The financial restrictions include fundraising activities for the Russian government and apply to all financial institutions in Singapore. Digital payments are also prohibited.
The ministry will also donate US$100,000 (S$135,600) to the Singapore Red Cross to assist affected communities in Ukraine.
Six Singaporeans are still in Ukraine as of last week while at least 10 have been evacuated.
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