Following Singapore’s imposing of sanctions on Russia to limit certain financial transactions connected to Russia, the Russian embassy in Singapore has since responded with a statement on their Facebook page.
In his ministerial statement on 28 February, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan announced that Singapore will work with other countries to take a “strong stance” against the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Singapore announced that we will be imposing export controls on items that can be used directly as weapons in Ukraine.
Some Russian banks and financial institutions will also be blocked by Singapore, with more information and details to be announced at a later date.
Dr Balakrishnan explained that “unless we as a country stand up for principles that are the very foundation for the independence and sovereignty of smaller nations, our own right to exist and prosper as a nation may similarly be called into question one day.”
Russian Embassy in Singapore responds
The Embassy of Russia in Singapore then took to their Facebook page to respond to the sanctions, expressing their regret at the decision taken by the Singapore government to join “Western anti-Russian sanctions”.
They added that they consider it as running “against the friendly relations between Russian and Singapore”.
Here is their statement in full
Embassy’s statement on the decisions of Singapore to impose sanctions on Russia.
We regret 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.
Related
Images source: Посольство России в Сингапуре – Embassy of Russia in Singapore Facebook and Vivian Balakrishnan Facebook