Singapore To Impose Economic Sanctions On Russia, Decision Does Not Represent The Voice Of ASEAN

JAKARTA - Singapore will impose economic sanctions and appropriate restrictions on Russia, said Singapore's Foreign Minister, Monday (28/2).

The sanctions and restrictions include banking and financial measures as well as export controls on goods that can be used as weapons against the Ukrainians.

The small city-state, which serves as an Asian financial hub and a major international shipping hub, adheres to United Nations Security Council resolutions, but rarely issues its own sanctions against countries.

"Singapore intends to act decisively with many like-minded countries to impose appropriate sanctions and restrictions on Russia," Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan told parliament as reported by Antara.

The statement described the Russian attack as an unacceptable act and a grave violation of international norms.

He said the sanctions were due to the "unprecedented severity of the situation" and Russia's veto last week over a draft Security Council resolution.

"In particular, we will impose export controls on goods that can be used directly as weapons in Ukraine to harm or conquer Ukraine," he said.

"We will also block certain Russian banks and financial transactions connected to Russia," he added.

Balakrishnan said specific measures would be finalized and announced soon.

Singapore's move to sanction Russia is the first among its regional neighbours. The decision was independent of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which has 10 members, one of which is Singapore.