Malaysia’s Ukraine apathy, closeness to Russia may harm its global standing: analysts

Malaysia’s silence on the Ukraine war and increasing closeness to Russia may call into question its non-aligned stance as well as the strength of its voice on the global stage, analysts warn.

As the conflict that began in February 2022 enters its 1000th day, Kuala Lumpur – like most of Southeast Asia – has refrained from outright condemnation of Moscow, a crucial arms supplier to the region which also holds the keys to membership of the Brics bloc.

Instead, governments have issued measured statements urging peace – yet failing to call out Russia as the aggressor – as they resist US and Western pressure to take sides in a war which has killed tens of thousands of people and redrawn the geopolitical map.

Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar and Vietnam all rely on Russian military equipment, such as Sukhoi and Mikoyan fighter jets that form the backbone of their respective air forces, underscoring the practical factors behind their careful approach to the invasion.

Only Singapore and the Philippines, which have close relations with the United States, denounced Russia.

At the 1,000-day remembrance ceremony of the Russian invasion organised by the Ukrainian embassy in Kuala Lumpur, charge de affairs Denys Mykhailiuk said he is baffled by Malaysia’s apparent indifference towards their struggle.