Ukrainian Ambassador Visits Muhammadiyah, Requests Support To Prevent Humanitarian Disaster Due To Russian Invasion

Ukrainian Ambassador to Indonesia Vasyl Hamianin (left) and General Secretary of PP Muhammadiyah Abdul Mu-ti (right) /ANTARA/Asep Firmansyah

JAKARTA - Ukrainian Ambassador to Indonesia Vasyl Hamianin visited the Muhammadiyah Central Executive to ask for support in efforts to stop the Russian invasion of his country which is currently still raging.

"I really hope that the Indonesian people will pray for Ukraine, also pray for it, including Muslim brothers (Ukraine). We hope that the people in Indonesia will do anything to help prevent a humanitarian disaster," said Vasyl at the Muhammadiyah Building, Jakarta, Thursday.

During the meeting, Vasyl talked with a number of Muhammadiyah Central Executives, both in person and online. He asked for prayer and moral support so that the invasion could be stopped immediately because it had claimed many civilian victims.

Vasyl told the leadership of Muhammadiyah, the situation in Ukraine was very dangerous. Currently, he said, the invasion was not only targeting the Ukrainian army, including civilians as victims. Even Vasyl called the situation a humanitarian catastrophe.

"Because its roots are neocolonialism, which we have to admit, Ukraine plans to be part of a new solid union, so the methods of the occupying army of the (Russian) occupation are really cruel and inhumane," he said.

In addition, he also explained that in Ukraine there are about two million Muslim communities. They are together with the Ukrainian army to defend their homeland.

Meanwhile, regarding Indonesian citizens (WNI) who are still detained in Chernihiv, it is certain that they are safe. They will be evacuated to a safer place in the next few days.

"So let's pray and hope that they will reach a safer place, today or tomorrow. So, still on the way, only nine more people (WNI are still detained)," he said.

Meanwhile, General Secretary of PP Muhammadiyah Abdul Mu'ti said that his party supports the struggle of the Ukrainian people in defending their homeland.

According to him, Muhammadiyah will provide humanitarian assistance. However, regarding what assistance will be provided, said Mu'ti, Muhammadiyah cannot confirm it yet because it has to coordinate with Lazismu and Muhammadiyah's international humanitarian organization.

"In principle, Muhammadiyah will try to help our brothers and sisters in Ukraine who are victims of this war. But indeed we will channel it to international institutions and coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," said Muti.