Russia-Ukraine conflict: EU stands ready for the path of diplomacy

SHAH ALAM – The European Union stands ready for the path of democracy in the continuous conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

European Union (EU) Ambassador to Malaysia Michalis Rokas said that the securities worldwide believed that solution would only be reached when the war stopped and this could only be achieved when Russia withdrew its troops from Ukraine.

“Ultimately, Russia, Ukraine, Europe and the world’s securities stand firm, close to the fact that there can be a solution only when the war stops, the aggression stops and there is withdrawal from Ukraine and we sit down again to negotiate the security guarantees that we have made clear at all levels.

“But of course, we cannot stop when this war continues,” he said.

Rokas said the Russia-Ukraine crisis, which lasted more than two months, had impacted the international system, particularly in Europe.

He believed it was one of the most severe difficulties people faced.

He added EU had actively tried to practice diplomacy and had used all the methods available to resolve the conflict however the efforts were futile.

“Back in January and February, when the aggression started, many of the leaders went to Moscow and Kyiv trying to find a solution.

“We even met with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a few weeks ago, discussing the security that Russia has to offer although Russia has given these guarantees but have blatantly violated them,” he said on Sinar Daily dialogue Wacana English Edition titled ‘Global Challenges in a Multipolar World’ yesterday in conjunction with Europe Day.

Describing the crisis as a war of choice since it was unprovoked, Rocas said it had caused devastating effects on the global economy, including possible inflation.

He believed that the international communities need to unite for all nations to develop together and prosper in peace and stability.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict had caused Ukraine to cease grain and fertiliser shipments, which caused a grave threat to food security worldwide as they were the world's largest exporter.

The threat was felt by Malaysia when the prices of fertilisers were reported to have increased from RM120 to RM200.

The conflict had also impacted the global oil and gas prices, which in turn had raised the prices of domestic and international airline fares in the country.

Meanwhile, former Foreign Minister Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar said it was crucial for the war to be resolved through diplomatic means, and this had to be done as soon as possible or it would only become worse.

Rokas and Syed Hamid attended Sinar Daily’s dialogue Wacana English Edition in conjunction with European Day yesterday.

A total of 15 other EU ambassadors to Malaysia and Head of Missions also attended the dialogue, including German Ambassador Dr Peter Blomeyer, Hungary Ambassador Dr Petra Ponevacs-Pana and Poland Ambassador Krzysztof Debnicki, among others.

Also in attendance were Karangkraf Group Chairman Datuk Hussamuddin Yaacub, Karangkraf Group Executive Director Akmal Eirfan Mohamed Fauzi, Sinar Karangkraf Chief Executive Officer Farah Hussamuddin and Sinar Karangkraf Editor-in-Chief Rozaid Rahman.

Russia had launched a full-scale military invasion into Ukraine in February which saw thousands of civilians dead and internally displaced more than seven million people.

The conflict had forced another five million Ukrainians to flee to neighbouring countries—the majority of whom have arrived in Poland, a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation country where the United States and other allies are helping to accommodate the influx of refugees, the United Nation said.

Previously, 141 states including Malaysia and seven other Asean member states condemned Russia’s war of aggression and put pressure so the war would stop.