Energy assistance, ‘principled diplomacy' needed

Ukraine envoy grateful for Thailand's unwavering support, writes Poramet Tangsathaporn

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Semenov: Thailand well-poised to help

Four years after the start of the Russo-Ukrainian war, Ukraine's top diplomat in Bangkok says Thailand can play a meaningful role in mitigating the conflict through principled diplomacy and sustained humanitarian assistance.

"Today marks the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine — one of the deadliest wars since World War II," Viktor Semenov, Charge d'Affaires a.i. of Ukraine to Thailand, told the Bangkok Post.

With more than one million casualties reported over four years, Mr Semenov said the war was a catastrophe that has profoundly reshaped Ukrainian society.

Since Feb 24, 2022, millions of Ukrainians have been displaced.

Mr Semenov said more than 7.5 million people have fled abroad, while about 4.6 million remain internally displaced.

Entire cities in eastern Ukraine, including Bakhmut, Mariinka and Avdiivka, have been reduced to ruins. Civilian infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals and energy facilities, has been repeatedly targeted.

Yet despite persistent drone and missile attacks, Ukrainians continue striving to maintain a sense of normality.