Ukraine ambassador to Malaysia hits out at Putin over needless bloodshed

Ukraine’s Ambassador to Malaysia Olexander Nechytaylo has hit out at Russian President Vladimir Putin over the invasion of his home country.

He said the conflict was unnecessary and was motivated by ego.

"Like probably every Ukrainian I feel sad and angry. Sad because there’s absolutely no justification for the bloodshed and destruction of this magnitude in the 21st century.

"And angry because this tragedy is primarily caused by the ego and obsession of one individual, which somehow lost touch with reality," he told Malaysiakini today.

Russian forces have launched an assault against Ukraine on several fronts, prompting heavy fighting.

Putin has said that this "special military operation" was meant to "protect" people from purported genocide by the Kyiv government in Eastern Ukraine.

The claim has been described as non-factual.

Putin denies planning a military occupation but said he wanted to rid Ukraine of "Nazis".

Asked whether the conflict could have been avoided, Nechytaylo said this would not have happened if Ukraine was a Nato member.

"If Ukraine were part of the collective defence mechanism like Nato, I assure you, Russia would not dare to launch a war.

"Look at the history, including the most recent one, they only attack when they feel the opponent is vulnerable," he said.

He said that by invading Ukraine, Russia was waging a "war against the world order" based on the law and UN charters.

He warned that the invasion may open a Pandora's Box for other countries neighbouring Russia and lead to a myriad of regional conflicts.

"Therefore, we call upon each and every member of the international community: take a stand and defend the law, hold the aggressor accountable.

"It is not about Ukraine or Russia anymore. Only collectively we can prevent the world from falling into chaos," the ambassador said.

Ukraine was once a part of the Russian-led Soviet Union, but in 1991 voted overwhelmingly for independence. - Mkini