KUALA LUMPUR: By U.S. Ambassador Brian McFeeters and EU Ambassador Michalis Rokas
As Malaysians have recently celebrated the peaceful joy of Lunar New Year and embraced the beginning of the year of the tiger, threats of war loom in Europe. Russia’s unprovoked military threats against Ukraine remain at the centre of today’s geopolitical tensions. Russia continues to launch aggressive disinformation and cyber campaigns even as it increases troops and heavy weapons in and around Ukraine, including in the illegally seized Crimean peninsula, under Russian occupation, and in parts of the eastern Donbas region, where Russia leads and supports armed groups.
The United States, the EU, and NATO are completely united in our response and our objectives. We’ve consistently spoken of the two paths Russia can choose: dialogue and diplomacy, or further escalation.
We continue to work tirelessly towards a diplomatic resolution of current tensions, and we’re prepared to move forward where there is the possibility of communication and cooperation if Russia de-escalates its aggression toward Ukraine, stops the inflammatory rhetoric, and approaches discussions about the future of security in Europe in a balanced and reciprocal way.
However, Russia’s ongoing blatant violations of international law are nothing less than a direct challenge to the international rules-based order. Ukraine is a member of the United Nations, an independent and sovereign state. Its treatment by Russia should be of concern for all countries around the globe, as a matter of principle. If Russia were allowed to limit the sovereignty of Ukraine by dictating Ukraine’s alliances and foreign policy choices, by blackmailing it and violating its territorial integrity, it could embolden others who want to expand illegal territorial claims, including in the South China Sea.
Undermining the principles of the international rules-based order weakens the foundation of international cooperation, and Russia’s violations threaten peace and stability on the European continent. We strongly reaffirm our unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, within its internationally recognised borders, extending to its territorial waters.
The intense and unprecedented cooperation and coordination between our countries and many other partners in support of Ukraine is very strong. This includes the joint preparation of severe economic sanctions should Moscow choose to further invade Ukraine. We’ve developed a high-impact, quick-action response that would inflict significant costs on the Russian economy and financial system. Russian choices will determine whether these measures will be implemented.
Together, we are also stepping up to provide assistance to Ukraine in various and mutually reinforcing ways, including to build resiliency in the face of Russia’s destabilizing acts. The EU is currently preparing a new emergency macro-financial assistance package of €1.2 billion, to address Ukraine’s financing needs.
Meanwhile, Kremlin disinformation around Ukraine is also intensifying, aimed at imposing the false assertion that Ukraine is the aggressor, and even going so far as to have started planning for possible false pretexts for an alleged “Western aggression” against Russia. Besides being fundamentally wrong, such narratives increase tensions and create uncertainty and confusion in the public. We are working closely with Ukrainian authorities and civil society by delivering technical and financial support to help them combat foreign information manipulation and interference.
The ongoing threats against Ukraine have coincided with yet another cyber-attack. A number of Ukrainian government websites and service platforms were defaced with deceptive messaging, and worse, destructive elements were found on some of the government and non-government IT systems. Cyber-attacks harm technical systems and are also intended to delegitimize Ukrainian authorities, spreading distrust and fear among the general population. Ukrainian authorities reacted promptly and remedied the situation. This was a good example of the resilience of Ukrainian society against the pressures they are facing. We actively support Ukraine in improving its defences against cyber threats and attacks.
We continue to call on Russia to de-escalate and to abide by international law. It is important to support existing frameworks for the sustainable, peaceful resolution of conflicts, such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and to call on Russia to re-engage constructively and in good faith in these established international frameworks. We have outlined areas in which NATO and Russia could make progress together to strengthen security for all of us, and indeed for the world. These include reciprocal actions around risk reduction and transparency, improved communication, and arms control.
A diplomatic path provides the only durable solution to the security concerns of Russia, Europe and the world, and we are committed to pursuing all diplomatic means to end this crisis. In this goal, the U.S., EU, and NATO are united.
Media Statement
Sat Feb 12 2022
The United States, the EU, and NATO are completely united in their response and consistently spoken of the two paths Russia can choose: dialogue and diplomacy, or further escalation.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.