Following the hostility that erupted between Russia and Ukraine in the last two weeks, the Singaporean government has barred it citizens from partaking or travelling to Ukraine or to partake in any hostility, saying such citizens risk a jail term. Foreign Minister to the Singaporean government, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan made this known today. In his statement, “We will like to highlight that it is an offence for any person, whilst in Singapore, to wage, attempt to wage.
As quoted by The Straits Times newspaper, Balakrishnan said “Or by abetting the waging of war, against the government of any power with which Singapore is not at war,” the minister said.
The Foreign Minister explained Singapore’s criminal code punishes the involvement of citizens in foreign hostilities with a prison sentence from 15 years to life, as well as a fine, according to the report.
Accordingly, the statement added that for every Singaporean citizen in particular, whether they commit the offence while in Singapore or outside Singapore, the law will deem them to have committed the offence as if they are at home country.
The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, had shortly after the beginning of the hostility has called on foreigners to come to Ukraine and take up arms in the spirit of the international legion.
With the Ukrainian foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba promised to simplify the visa process to any mercenary that may avail themselves.
UK Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss also made a similar promise that her country would support the Ukrainian struggle for liberation.
Though her position was later slammed by the UK Defence Minister, Ben Wallace, who on the contrary warned UK citizens to desist from Ukraine's suicide mission as involving themselves in any military action, was too risky for their lives.
Russia descended on Ukrainian following calls from the breakaway Donbas region that came under siege from Ukrainian forces.
