KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24 — Ukraine has expressed its deepest appreciation and gratitude to Malaysia for its sincere effort in standing together with the Ukrainians, including in voting in favour of a United Nations (UN) resolution on Thursday calling for an end to the Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Chargé d’Affaires of the Ukrainian Embassy in Malaysia Denys Mykhailiuk said the Malaysian Bar was one of the earliest bodies in Malaysia to condemn Russia over its aggression on Ukraine, which voiced its concern over the ongoing situation.
“Malaysia is the largest producer of medical gloves, and some private companies also donated (some gloves) to Ukraine, and we are thankful for that,” he told a press conference after attending an event marking the first anniversary of Russian aggression in Ukraine, here, today. The event was attended by some 38 diplomats from various foreign missions in Malaysia.
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Since then, Ukraine witnessed destruction and loss of lives. Though neither side has released figures lately, international reports of estimates by analysts showed that the Russian side suffered about 200,000 casualties while the number for Ukraine is five times higher.
Mykhailiuk said that a Johor-based company is already participating in the reconstruction efforts of a small town in Ukraine, which was destroyed due to the war.
Asked about what Ukraine is looking for in moving forward following the war, Mykhailiuk said he expects international law will be restored, meaning that ‘our territories will be liberated and sovereignty be granted’.
“We want a new, prosperous, open and free society members who are ready to be a frontliner in our society, who can take decisions and decide on their own fate and future,” he added.
Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Malaysia Brian McFeeters, when met by reporters, said Malaysia was at the right side in joining more than 140 countries voting in favour of a UN resolution on Thursday calling for an end to Russia – Ukraine war.
“The bottom line is, we hope to have Malaysian support for Ukraine, just like everybody around the world supporting Ukraine’s stance,” he added.
The United Nations General Assembly approved a nonbinding resolution on Thursday (February 23) that calls for Russia to end hostilities in Ukraine and withdraw its forces, sending a strong message on the eve of the first anniversary of the invasion that Moscow must stop its aggression.
The resolution, drafted by Ukraine in consultation with its allies, passed 141 – 7, with 32 abstentions.
— Bernama
