The Malaysian Insight

UKRAINE’s citizens in Malaysia are currently raising funds to support their government and people back home who are facing the Russia’s invasion.

Ukraine’s Cultural Association in Malaysia founder and president, Lidiya V.M. told The Malaysian Insight that they hoped this would help bring aid and food for their fellow citizens.

“The funds given by us will be dispatched to the people of Ukraine by the government there.”

“Many have lost their homes and belongings. They are barely able to get proper food. So we hope they will use these funds to get the necessary supplies,” she said.

The association was established five years ago to connect Ukrainians working and studying here with one another and exchange cultures between Malaysia and Ukraine.

Lidiya added that the association stayed in touch with doctors in Ukraine regarding their urgent needs.

“They have requested tactical medical tourniquets that can be used for the military.

“We are currently working with a Malaysian platform called DrEzy to purchase the product,” she said, adding that the association is currently trying to send 200 units on a weekly basis.

“Although the shipment can be expensive, we can’t afford to wait any longer as they need it urgently.”

She welcomed donations from the public to make these purchases.She said those interested to volunteer or assist may reach out to the Ukraine’s Cultural association Facebook page.

Lidiya said the association makes and sells Ukraine pastries, with the collection donated back to Ukraine.

A representative from the Ukraine embassy in Malaysia said they have requested the Malaysian government for humanitarian aid and to end relations with Russia.

“As of now the Malaysian government said it is still considering this and no action has been taken yet,” said the representative.

The representative said the embassy supported the move undertaken by the Ukrainian Cultural Association in Malaysia to help their fellow citizens.

Worried for families

Ukraine citizen Natalia Mykhailiuk, 43, said she is constantly worried for her family residing in Kyiv, Ukraine.

“For now I can call them on a daily basis and check up on them but I feel very upset that I can’t have them over here.

“My mother currently lives in a bomb shelter because Kyiv is constantly being attacked while my brother has moved to a safer part in Ukraine,” she said.

She explained that her father recently had an operation and was bed-ridden, making it difficult for the family to move to another country.

Natalia said she was overwhelmed by the support shown by Malaysians on the plight suffered by her nation.

“A lady from Ipoh contacted me and donated some craft products which could be sold.

“The money made from the sale will be sent back to Ukraine,” she said.

Natalia said she would prefer to help her people from here rather than flying back home.

“I cannot join the military. I would be able to do much from here by raising funds and helping Ukraine’s government and people.”

Yulia Rybak, 30, said she was incredibly worried about her family, relatives and friends in Kyiv.

“Everything that is happening is horrible, and I feel like I want to be there for my family while at the same time I also understand that I can be more useful here.

“I keep working to be able to support them and other volunteer organisations in Ukraine,” she said.

She said she was disappointed with Malaysia’s muted stand on the Ukraine-Russia war.

“I was hoping to see more support from Malaysia, but I will not lose hope as I consider Malaysia a country that strives to be democratic and developed.

“What Russia is doing to Ukraine is not only Ukraine’s problem, it sets a dangerous precedent for any country that has territorial disputes with neighbours, or simply has less military power and relies on its more powerful allies for protection and ensuring their sovereignty.

“If Russia today can attack Ukraine without any reason, and without punishment, what will stop any other country tomorrow from attacking Malaysia?

“Only a united international resistance to the oppressor can show that the world will not tolerate violence and will stand up for democracy,” said Yulia who is a marketing manager.

She said Ukraine’s citizens in Malaysia were keeping in touch, trying to support each other and also organising fundraising events to help volunteer organisations in Ukraine.

She said Ukraine’s embassy here was doing a great job for the Ukraine’s citizens in Malaysia.

“They are very vocal about what is happening in Ukraine and are trying to gain support from Malaysia and also from representatives of other countries.

“At the same time, they are providing informational support to the Ukraine’s Cultural Association and the charity events we are doing,” she said.

Meanwhile a Ukraine citizen who only wants to be known as Sergii said flying back to Ukraine now would not be a wise choice.

“I am very fortunate because my family has managed to flee from Ukraine to Poland but I’m still worried about the millions stranded in Ukraine,” he said.

He said the countries that failed to impose sanctions against Russia were silently approving the killing of civilians in Ukraine.

“Most probably these countries value financial stability more than the lives of innocent people,” he said.

Malaysia has reiterated its concern over the Ukraine-Russia conflict and strongly urged all parties involved to immediately de-escalate hostilities.

Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein had said Malaysia will continue to support all efforts in the interest of maintaining regional and international peace and security.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, with daily fighting and shelling causing deaths and displacing millions. – March 31, 2022.