After deciding to impose sanctions on Russia to show its support for Ukraine, Singapore will now contribute financially.
Singapore鈥檚 Ministry of Foreign Affairs last night announced that it will donate US$100,000 (S$135,618) to the Singapore Red Cross to assist affected communities in Ukraine.
鈥淭hese funds will go towards the provision of relief supplies such as hygiene kits, family kits and household kits for the vulnerable who are displaced by the conflict,鈥 the ministry wrote, adding that the Singapore Red Cross is working with the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, the International Federation of Red Cross and the Red Crescent Societies.
This came the night after the government announced a sanctions package yesterday blocking weapons-related exports and some Russian financial transactions.
In response, the Russian embassy said last night that Singapore鈥檚 actions against Russia were 鈥渃ontrary鈥 to its position to impose the 鈥渦nilateral鈥 sanctions, and would wound in bilateral relations.
鈥淲e 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,鈥 it .
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong also addressed the invasion yesterday saying that Singapore only makes decisions based on its principles and interests and never chooses sides.
鈥淎s a small country, we strive to maintain good relations with all countries big and small. We do not choose sides, but chart our own course based on consistent principles and long-term national interests,鈥 he wrote.
He added that we should not take our peace for granted.
鈥淲e have been lucky to enjoy peace and stability now for more than 50 years. Russia鈥檚 attack on Ukraine reminds us how precious this is, and how important it is for all of us who call Singapore home to work together to preserve this happy state of affairs,鈥 he wrote.
At an emergency session of the U.N. General Assembly convened late last night, Singaporean Ambassador Burhan Gafoor repeated the country鈥檚 condemnation of the invasion and even got a hug from Ukrainian representative Sergiy Kyslytsya afterward.
There are at least nine Singaporeans still in Ukraine and 10 have already evacuated the country since late last month, with some crossing over to the border into Poland.
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