His voice was firm, just like his handshake. However, frustration, agony and anger were all over his face.
As Denys Mykhailiuk was asked about his family back home in Ukraine, emotions got the better of him.
“It is awful,” said the Charge d’affaires at the Ukraine Embassy in Malaysia.
He paused before continuing: “My uncle is in Kharkiv. There is shelling almost daily. If there is no news or no connection, I am worried.
“My brother’s family had to get to the Western part of the country. They are roughing it out.
“My mother-in-law had to go abroad. My father-in-law is too old and not so mobile. He goes to the bathroom and hides whenever the shelling starts.
“My (former) classmates …” he paused.
“I am sorry. I should be professional. Emotions got the better of me,” apologised Mykhailiuk, who spent two hours at the National Press Club of Malaysia (NPC) in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.
Since the Russia-Ukraine war began six months ago, representatives of the Ukraine government have been trying to garner support to condemn Russia over the invasion.
On the launch of its invasion on Feb 24, Russia justified the move as a means to “demilitarise and de-Nazify Ukraine”.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he aimed to protect people subjected to “eight years of bullying and genocide by Ukraine’s government”.
Later, it was revealed that the invasion was to ensure Ukraine remained neutral by not being part of Nato. Joining the organisation was viewed as a direct threat to Moscow.
Today also marks Kyiv’s independence from Soviet rule 31 years ago.
The latest threat is the shelling near the Zaporizhzhia facility, close to the town of Enerhodar. It is Europe’s largest nuclear power plant.
Those living nearby fear the disastrous consequences locally and in neighbouring countries if the facility is hit.
The prices of wheat, grain and chicken feed quickly escalated after the war broke out. The ripple effects are felt over 8,000km away in Malaysia as prices of goods have shot up.
However, Malaysians are already pre-occupied with intense local affairs, mainly the political instability, the jailing of its former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday over the SRC International Sdn Bhd case, and a weak ringgit.
How can Malaysia help?
When the war broke in February, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said Malaysia was seriously concerned over the escalation of conflict in Ukraine and “strongly urges all concerned parties to immediately take steps to de-escalate and prevent loss of lives and devastation.”
During an interview on Aug 20, Ismail Sabri said, although Malaysia disagreed with Russia, “we stress the need for both nations to be brought to the negotiation table to find a peaceful solution”.
Mykhailiuk was aware of the current affairs in Malaysia with talks of a multi-million ringgit general election looming.
Malaysia was accused of maintaining a “neutral stance” over the conflict as it did not want to offend both parties. The country enjoys trade with Russia and Ukraine.
“We had a good meeting with your International Trade and Industry Ministry meeting (on Monday). We hope Malaysia can participate in our Fast Recovery Plan.”
Ukraine needs more than US$750 billion of investment for its recovery plan. Monies will come from, among others, the private sector and frozen assets of Russian tycoons based abroad.
But Ukraine may find it tough to convince nations to raise money or be part of its plan due to spiralling inflation worldwide. Other war-torn countries are also experiencing a dip in donations and humanitarian aid.
“How can Malaysia help? By adopting the one country, one world theme on international platforms.
“Russia tried to pretend or show it is the voice of the world oppressed by the imperialistic West. But Russia is the West in all ways, from its culture to investments.
“If Malaysia is on our side, we will be safer … that the trade of sensitive technology would not go to Russia.”
Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah had in May, said the Malaysian government has not had discussions with Russia regarding the export of semiconductors and electronics.
For the record, semiconductors are crucial components in many military weapons.
Mykhailiuk said Ukraine and Malaysia could strike win-win deals.
“Malaysia is very concerned about food security. That is an avenue we can explore. There is also the creation of a halal export hub in Ukraine with our main consumers being in North Africa and gulf nations,” he added.
“The Islamic Development Department Malaysia (Jakim) has certified several Ukraine products.
“You have excellent IT solutions for farming. We will face workforce issues after the war, but the yield needs to be collected and harvested. Such solutions will be good for us,” he said, referring to the technology exhibited at the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture & Agrotourism (MAHA) show held earlier this month.
Mykhailiuk also spoke about opportunities in e-governance and education – mainly via the reconstruction of schools and universities through the recovery plan.
Ukraine is among the preferred destinations for Malaysians wanting to pursue their education in medicine.
“We have technologies in aviation and space, and we can do it here (in Malaysia). And we can share production.”
Hoping for humanity to prevail
Mykhailiuk said his fellow citizens, including those who speak Russian, have links to Russia or are even married to Russians, are bitter over the invasion.
“I speak Russian and I’m married to a Russian … there was no oppression at all. The Russian army is killing more Russian speakers now, mostly civilians.
“We want to regain control of our land and build a wall (at its border with Russia) as high as possible.”
Asked what his plea to the Malaysian government was, Mykhailiuk said: “To support Ukraine, you do not need to be involved politically. You just need to be human.”
