The Russian embassy in Singapore has commented on the country’s decision to impose sanctions on Russia, noting said decision “runs against the friendly relations between Russia and Singapore.”
The Russian embassy labelled Singapore’s sanctions as “anti-Russian” in a Facebook post uploaded on Monday (Feb 28).
Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan delivered a ministerial statement in Parliament on Feb 28, highlighting how Singapore is taking a “strong stance” against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Singapore will work with other countries, including ASEAN and international partners, to end further bloodshed and de-escalate tensions, added Dr Balakrishnan.
Regarding the sanctions mentioned by the Russian embassy, it was announced that Singapore would impose export controls on items that can be used directly as weapons in Ukraine to inflict harm on or to subjugate the Ukrainians.
Furthermore, Singapore will block certain Russian banks and financial transactions linked to Russia. More details on the specific measures to be imposed will be revealed at a later date.
In its post, the Russian embassy said it regrets the decision taken by the Singapore government “to join Western anti-Russian sanctions that circumvent the UN Security Council and is contrary to the principled position of the country against imposing unilateral sanctions.”
“We consider it runs against the friendly relations between Russia and Singapore as well as counter to the need of speedy and peaceful settlement of the situation in Ukraine, which the Russian Federation continuously advocates,” the Russian embassy added.
Meanwhile, the German Embassy in Singapore commented on the post, noting it stood in solidarity with Ukraine.
The comment included a link to an article released by the French, Polish, and German ambassadors to Singapore condemning Russia’s actions as an “attack on the world order that upholds the rights and sovereignty of all states.”
“Invading sovereign nations tend to strain friendly relations. I know you guys have no choice but to write these but kindly refrain from lecturing us on our principles. You have very little basis to take the moral high ground here,” said a Facebook user in another comment.
Dr Balakrishnan also said in his speech that “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a clear and gross violation of the international norms and a completely unacceptable precedent.”
“We cannot accept one country attacking another without justification, arguing that its independence was the result of ‘historical errors and crazy decisions,’” he added. /TISG