Over 30 heads, representatives of diplomatic missions in M'sia express solidarity with Ukraine

It was a sombre atmosphere with those present showing their concern on the developments in Ukraine.

The Ambassador of Ukraine to Malaysia Olexander Nechytaylo in his address thanked countries that expressed their support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, adding 'Ukrainians will never forget their generousity during these hard times'.

"My words of particular gratitude to those, which provided much needed defence equipment, medical supplies, fuel, financial resources and refuge to save many lives and to keep us going," he said at the gathering which was also attended by the regional representatives of United Nations and international organisations.

The ambassador said on Feb 24, the Russian Federation committed an act of unprovoked military aggression against Ukraine and it had brought about human suffering, loss of lives and despair that Europe has not seen since World War II.

"As for now, almost 400 civilians including 16 children have been killed and all these crimes are being carefully documented for further legal proceedings in the International Criminal Court," he said.

Nechytaylo said that the Ukrainian people led by President Volodymyr Zelensky displayed extraordinary bravery in defending their homeland despite Russia's aggression, adding that the armed forces of Ukraine have successfully engaged Russian forces advancing from the North, the South and the East, inflicting significant losses in the invaders.

Meanwhile, several local media reported the ambassador had urged the Malaysian government to take a clearer stand as the Russian aggression in Ukraine is against the fundamental principle of Malaysia's foreign policies.

Nechytaylo told the media after the solidarity event that he had spoken to Wisma Putra regarding the Malaysian government's latest statement on the issue, adding that he was consistent in asking for a clearer stand from Malaysia.

"I have officially communicated with Wisma Putra regarding the latest statement (on the Ukraine-Russia conflict).

"What is happening in Ukraine is contradicting the principle of international law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, which is against the United Nation and ASEAN charters, and against the principle of fundamental foreign policy of Malaysia," he said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob last Saturday said in a statement that Malaysia is seriously concerned over the escalation of conflict in Ukraine, and strongly urged all concerned parties to immediately take steps to de-escalate and prevent loss of lives and devastation.

Nechytaylo added that it was also time for the European Union (EU) to take Ukraine as a member of the bloc.

Zelenskiy said he had signed an official request for Ukraine to join the EU.

Ukraine has cut all diplomatic ties with Russia in response to Russia's aggression which entered the sixth day today.

Last Thursday (February 24), Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region that has seen repeated missile and air strikes on all major cities, including capital Kyiv.