Singapore to sanction Russia over Ukraine invasion

SINGAPORE (AFP) – Singapore will impose sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, including blocking financial transactions and the export of items that can be used as weapons against Ukrainians, the government said on Monday.

The Asian city-state joins others including the US, EU, Britain, Canada, Japan, Australia, and Taiwan in imposing economic sanctions against Russia as global leaders seek to ramp up pressure on the Kremlin.

Singapore rarely imposes sanctions on other countries without a decision from the United Nations Security Council, Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan told parliament.

But given "the unprecedented gravity" of Russia's attack, "Singapore intends to act in concert with many other like-minded countries to impose appropriate sanctions and restrictions against Russia," he said.

Balakrishnan also cited Russia's blocking of a draft Security Council resolution deploring its "aggression" in Ukraine as a reason for the move.

Singapore will impose export controls on items that can be used as weapons to harm Ukrainians, and block certain Russian banks and financial transactions connected to Russia, he said.

Specific measures are being worked out and will be announced soon, Balakrishnan added.

"Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a clear and gross violation of the international norms and a completely unacceptable precedent," he added.

"Unless we as a country stand up for principles that are the very foundation for the independence and sovereignty of smaller nations, our own right to exist and prosper as a nation may similarly be called into question one day."

Singapore Airlines, the city-state's flag carrier, also announced Monday that it has suspended flights between Singapore and Moscow "due to operational reasons".

Most EU airlines, including Air France, have suspended their flights to Russian airports, or through Russian airspace and the European Union has closed its airspace to Russian aircraft.