KUALA LUMPUR: With Russia having attacked his country, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Malaysia Olexander Nechytaylo was visibly touched to receive a show of solidarity from over 30 heads and representatives of foreign diplomatic missions at the embassy here.

       The Expression of Solidarity event hosted by the embassy saw representatives from European Union (EU) nations and others like the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Argentina, Colombia, Ghana, Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Timor-Leste.

       Nechytaylo thanked the global community for their concern and support of “Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”.

       “Ukrainians will never forget your generosity during these hard times.“My words of particular gratitude to those who have provided much-needed defence equipment, medical supplies, fuel, financial resources and refuge to save many lives and keep us going,” he told the gathering at the embassy housed at Menara Tan & Tan here yesterday.

       He also noted that over 400 civilians, including 16 children, had been killed in the Russian invasion.

       “All these crimes are being carefully documented for further legal proceedings in the International Criminal Court. We are bleeding, but we are fighting back with even more resolve,” he added.

       The ambassador again called on the Malaysian government to take a clearer stand on Russia’s move, adding that its invasion of Ukraine was against the fundamental principle of Malaysia’s foreign policy.

       “I have officially communicated with Wisma Putra regarding the government’s latest statement.

       “What is happening in Ukraine is contradicting the principle of international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and is against the United Nations and Asean charters as well as the fundamental principle of Malaysia’s foreign policy,” Nechytaylo said in reply to a question from the media.

       In a recent interview with a local radio station, Nechytaylo said there should be a clearer definition of “who is the invader and who is the criminal” in the conflict.

       Adding that the embassy took note of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s statement on the situation, he said there was room for a clearer position based on international law and the sanctity of the UN charter.

       Nechytaylo also said it was time for the EU to take in Ukraine as a member of the bloc.

       “We are receiving unprecedented support from the EU, and what the Ukrainian people are defending now are the values that are enshrined in the EU flag.

       “We believe that it’s time for the EU to make a decision because extraordinary times require extraordinary decisions,” he added.

       On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had signed an official request for Ukraine to join the EU immediately under a special procedure as it defended itself from Russian forces.