Singapore and ASEAN's Approach and Efforts to De-escalate Violence in Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs how ASEAN intends to approach the ongoing violence in Ukraine, pursuant to Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, customary international law and also UN General Assembly Resolution 68/262, to de-escalate the violence and ensure the safety of the civilian population.

Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs how does Singapore intend to ensure the upholding of international law of which Russia is a party to, particularly the Geneva Conventions I, IV and Protocol I, as well as the Hague Convention of 1907, in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs what efforts are being made to allow negotiations to take place between Russia and Ukraine to de-escalate violence and halt the invasion.

Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs how international law will be upheld, particularly the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, even as Ukrainian refugees flee Ukraine.

Mr Christopher de Souza has referred to various elements of international norms and laws and asked how Singapore intends to ensure that they are upheld.

International law is essential but conventions and agreements can only achieve their intended objectives if the parties honour them and if they can be enforced. With respect to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, while the UN Security Council has the mandate under Article 51 of the UN Charter to take action as it deems necessary "in order to maintain or restore international peace and security", this is unlikely to be invoked, given Russia's veto power as a Permanent Member of the Security Council.

Singapore has taken a clear, consistent and principled position on upholding international law and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, as laid out in the Ministerial Statement in Parliament on 28 February 2022 on Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. We co-sponsored and voted in favour of the UN General Assembly Emergency Special Session Resolution ES-11/1 on "Aggression against Ukraine" which was adopted by a vote of 141 yeses, five noes and 35 abstentions on 2 March 2022. While UN General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, as a responsible member of the international community, Singapore has complied with the spirit and letter of the resolution. Given the unprecedented gravity of the Russian invasion and Russia's veto of the UN Security Council resolution, Singapore has further imposed sanctions aimed at constraining Russia's capacity to conduct war against Ukraine and undermine its sovereignty.

Specifically, we have imposed a ban on the transfer to Russia of all items in the Military Goods List and all items in the "Electronics", "Computers" and "Telecommunications and Information Security" categories of the Dual-Use Goods List of the Strategic Goods (Control) Order 2021. We have also imposed financial measures targeted at designated Russian banks, entities and activities in Russia, and fund-raising activities benefiting the Russian government. Further details can be found in MFA's Press Statement on Sanctions and Restrictions against Russia in Response to its Invasion of Ukraine dated 5 March 2022.

Singapore has supported humanitarian assistance efforts, with the Singapore Government contributing US$100,000 to assist affected communities in Ukraine via the Singapore Red Cross, which is working through the Ukrainian Red Cross Society and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. We co-sponsored and voted in favour of the UN General Assembly Emergency Special Session Resolution on “Humanitarian Consequences of the Aggression against Ukraine” which was adopted by a vote of 140 yeses, five noes and 38 abstentions on 24 March 2022.

Mr Christopher de Souza has also asked about ASEAN's approach. ASEAN is deeply concerned about the unfolding crisis and worsening humanitarian conditions from Russia's unlawful invasion of Ukraine. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers have, thus far, issued two statements. First, on 26 February 2022, to call on all relevant parties to exercise maximum restraint, make utmost efforts to pursue dialogue, de-escalate tensions and seek peaceful resolution in accordance with international law and uphold the principles of mutual respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and equal rights of all nations. Second, on 3 March 2022, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the continuation of political dialogue which would lead to sustainable peace in Ukraine.

Lastly, Mr Christopher de Souza has asked about the efforts being made to allow negotiations to take place between Russia and Ukraine. While Singapore is not involved in the ongoing direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, we note that both sides have undertaken several rounds of negotiations since 28 February 2022. We hope that these talks will lead to a peaceful settlement in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.

We will continue to work alongside the international community to support international law, a rules-based international order and a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine.