Ukrainian Ambassador to Malaysia Olexander Nechytaylo has lauded the United Nations General Assembly vote to censure Russia's invasion of Ukraine, saying that this official condemnation was a damning indictment of that country's actions.
“Russia is officially a global pariah.
“They lost access to the international financial markets and they are being increasingly isolated in their ability to trade, travel and compete in sports.
“The world is very clear - no business with the criminals, they must be isolated,” Nechytaylo (above) told Malaysiakini.
The United Nations General Assembly had on Wednesday overwhelmingly voted to reprimand Russia for invading Ukraine and demanded that Moscow stop fighting and withdraw its military forces, an action that aims to diplomatically isolate Russia at the world body.
The resolution, supported by 141 of the assembly's 193 members including Malaysia, passed in a rare emergency session called by the UN Security Council while Ukrainian forces battled to defend the port of Kherson in the face of airstrikes and a devastating bombardment that forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee.
The text of the resolution deplores Russia’s “aggression against Ukraine”. The last time the Security Council convened an emergency session of the General Assembly was in 1982, according to the UN website.
Russia was joined by Belarus, which has served as a launchpad for Russian invasion forces, Eritrea, North Korea and Syria in voting against the resolution. Thirty-five members, including China, abstained.
Malaysia’s solidarity appreciated
Nechytaylo expressed his gratitude for Malaysia’s vote.
“We certainly welcome Malaysia’s vote in support of the UNGA resolution,” he said.
Nechytaylo also thanked a group of activists from Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) who held a candlelight vigil in solidarity with Ukraine last night, condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “ruthless attempts to sow discord and division”.
The vigil was held outside Wisma Chinese Chamber, across the road from the Russian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
“We appreciate your strong voice in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Your faith and support keep us going,” he said.
“We are defending not only our land and our homes, we are standing up and paying a heavy price to safeguard the fundamental values of humankind: freedom of choice, freedom of speech and freedom to live in peace,” added the ambassador.
Moscow’s attack on its neighbour has yet to overthrow the government in Kyiv but thousands are thought to have died or been injured and it could cause another deep hit to the global economy still emerging from the coronavirus pandemic.
The biggest attack on a European state since 1945 has caused over 870,000 people to flee, led to a barrage of sanctions against Russia and stoked fears of wider conflict in the West. - Mkini
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