Jakarta (ANTARA) - Ukrainian Ambassador to Indonesia Vasyl Hamianin on Thursday urged Indonesians to not heed Russian propaganda that is seeking to obscure the humanitarian disaster and war in Ukraine.
"I sincerely ask, please analyze (the facts). Do not believe in disinformation and lies. Lies are a great thing when it comes to war crimes. We can find a lot of disinformation from the Russian side," Hamianin said when meeting with members of Indonesia's largest Islamic organization, Muhammadiyah, here on Thursday.
He asked the Indonesian people to be careful in accepting any information released by the Russian government. The Russians are using methods to split the narrative on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, he said.
Russia is guilty of war crimes that have caused a humanitarian catastrophe, Hamianin added. Many civilians have been victims of the Russian invasion as some public facilities have been destroyed, he highlighted.
"As you know, many cities in Ukraine are experiencing civilian area bombardment by missiles, artillery, airstrikes, and now they (the Ukrainians) are facing a humanitarian disaster as people do not have medicines. They also do not have homes, nowhere to live, and do not eat, as all logistics are being cut off," he said.
Therefore, he called Indonesians to denounce the Russian government and pray for the invasion to end soon. Meanwhile, regarding the Muslim narrative in Ukraine, he said they are currently fighting together against the Russian military.
"I really hope the Indonesian people, as well as the Muslim brothers and sisters, will pray for Ukraine. We hope that Indonesians will help anything to prevent a humanitarian disaster," Hamianin remarked.
Earlier, general secretary of Muhammadiyah, Abdul Mu’ti, had said that the organization supports the Ukrainian people in defending their country.
According to Mu'ti, Muhammadiyah will send humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, but he did not clarify its volume or value, saying this will need to be coordinated with Lazismu, a charity managing NGO, and Muhammadiyah's international humanitarian agency.
"Muhammadiyah will try to help our brothers and sisters in Ukraine who are victims of this war. We will distribute (the aid) to international institutions and coordinate with the Foreign Affairs Ministry," he said.
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