PETALING JAYA: Malaysia needs to take a clearer stand on the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, says Ukrainian ambassador Olexander Nechytaylo (pic).

       In an interview with local radio station BFM, Nechytaylo said his office had taken note of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob's statement on the situation on Thursday (Feb 24).

       “We took note of the statement by Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, but we believe there is room for a clearer position on international law and on the sanctity of the United Nations charter.

       “So far, we have to be very clear who is the invader and the criminal,” he said on Friday (Feb 25).

       Ismail Sabri had said the Malaysian government was saddened by the developments in Ukraine.

       “The government’s priority at this time is to ensure that Malaysian families are safe.

       “The Embassy in Kiev is currently working to provide protection and a safe haven for them before they can return to Malaysia,” he said in a series of tweets, adding that there are 11 Malaysians stranded in Ukraine.

       Russian president Vladimir Putin on Thursday announced “a special military operation” in the Eastern European country, with his forces firing missiles at several Ukrainian cities.

       The invasion received widespread international backlash and condemnation, including from South-East Asian nations.

       A Singapore Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman said the city state “strongly condemns any unprovoked invasion of a sovereign country under any pretext.”

       "We reiterate that the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine must be respected.

       "We hope military actions will cease immediately; and urge a peaceful settlement of the dispute, in accordance with the UN Charter and international law,” the spokesman said in a statement.

       Indonesian president Joko Widodo, in his Twitter account, tweeted: “Stop the war. War brings misery to mankind and puts the whole world at risk.”