Thailand urges peaceful resolution, while Malaysia and the Philippines enhance repatriation efforts.
JAKARTA: On Thursday (Feb 24), Indonesia called for negotiations and diplomatic solutions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, opting not to impose sanctions on Moscow.
During a press conference, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Teuku Faizasyah expressed Indonesia’s deep concern over the escalating conflict in Ukraine, highlighting its potential threats to public safety and regional stability. “Indonesia condemns any actions that violate a nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” he stated, urging all parties involved to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy to halt hostilities and work towards a peaceful resolution.
However, Faizasyah clarified that Indonesia would not impose sanctions, saying, “We will not blindly follow the actions of other countries. Our decisions will be based on national interests and whether sanctions will effectively resolve the issue. History has shown us that sanctions often do not lead to resolutions.”
The Indonesian government has advised its citizens in Ukraine to gather at the embassy for potential evacuation. Currently, there are 138 Indonesians in Ukraine, primarily located in the capital Kyiv and the port city of Odessa, both of which are experiencing attacks.
President Joko Widodo expressed his concerns on Twitter, stating, “Stop the war. War brings suffering to humanity and endangers the world.”
As Russian forces launched missiles across multiple Ukrainian cities and landed troops along the southern coast, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba described the situation as a full-scale invasion, declaring, “This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend itself and prevail. The world must act to stop Putin now.”
In response to the crisis, several countries, including the United States, Australia, and South Korea, have announced new sanctions against Russia.
The Thai foreign ministry also expressed its concern regarding the developments in Ukraine, emphasizing support for peaceful resolutions through dialogue.
Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob reported that there are currently 11 Malaysians in Ukraine, with eight in Kyiv and three elsewhere. He confirmed that evacuation procedures are underway, stating, “Our citizens are safe, and their well-being is our primary concern. Quick action is being taken; we have evacuated those in Kyiv.”
The Prime Minister also tweeted his sorrow over the situation in Ukraine, expressing hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the conflict.
In the Philippines, the government announced plans to repatriate four more citizens from Ukraine on Thursday night. The Philippine Embassy in Moscow is coordinating assistance for Filipinos seeking to enter Russia from Ukraine on humanitarian grounds. Earlier, six Filipinos returned to the Philippines on Feb 18, with four arriving from Kyiv and two from Lviv.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs continues to communicate with the Filipino community in Ukraine, urging those in need of repatriation assistance to contact the Philippine Embassy in Warsaw or the Philippine Honorary Consulate General in Kyiv.
