Ukraine war: What isolation? ‘More than half of world population’ didn’t back West in UN vote, Russia’s Singapore envoy says

Russia’s Singapore envoy Nikolay Kudashev pointed out that the world’s most populous nations – China and India – didn’t support the vote to condemn Russia

He blasted Singapore for being the only Asean country to sanction Moscow, saying Asia should focus on important issues such as Covid-19 recovery

Reading Time:3 minutes

99+

The Singapore flag flies over the National Gallery, seen against the skyline of the financial district in Singapore. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 4:00pm, 11 Mar 2022Updated: 4:08pm, 11 Mar 2022

The Russian envoy in Singapore has said Asian countries should focus on issues of “primary importance” such as Covid-19 recovery rather than Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, and blasted the city state for joining the West in sanctioning Moscow.

In an interview with the South China Morning Post, Ambassador Nikolay Kudashev described Singapore’s sanctions as a “mistake”.

The island republic has imposed export controls on items that can be used to inflict harm on Ukrainians and directed financial institutions to not deal with a list of Russian entities.

Singapore is the only Southeast Asian country to sanction Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and other government leaders have said it was imperative for a small state like Singapore to “stand up” for principles that underpin its own sovereignty and political independence.

“We believe this decision to be a mistake, to be a wrong one, which runs counter to the development of bilateral ties [and] runs counter to strengthening regional cooperation,” said Kudashev.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x