Lao media learn Ukraine perspective on conflict with Russia

Lao reporters have had another opportunity to learn Ukraine’s side of events unfolding in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia military conflict, thanks to support from the Australian and British embassies to Laos.
Australian Ambassador Mr Paul Kelly and British Ambassador Mr John Pearson on Friday co-hosted a press conference during which the Chargé d’Affaires of the Ukraine Embassy in Bangkok, Mr Oleksandr Lysak, spoke by video link to share Ukraine’s perspective on the ongoing Ukraine-Russia military conflict.

Lao journalists attend a media briefing at the Australian Embassy in Vientiane, delivered virtually by the Chargé d'Affaires of the Ukraine Embassy in Bangkok, Mr Oleksandr Lysak.

Laos established diplomatic relations with Ukraine in 1992 with the embassy based in Bangkok. In the absence of a Ukrainian Embassy in Laos, western nations are enabling Ukrainian diplomats to express their views on the armed conflict by providing them with a video link to Lao media.
The Russian Embassy to Laos has also regularly put across its version of events taking place in Ukraine.
During the latest virtual press briefing, Mr Lysak outlined the latest developments in the conflict, which has been continuing for nearly three months, and shared Ukraine’s current position concerning the military operation.
He also shed light on the humanitarian impact of the fighting in Ukraine as well as the implications for global food security, saying that the conflict meant Ukraine was no longer able to deliver the normal quantity of food to other countries.
The price of both food and fuel has increased significantly since the conflict began in February this year, meaning people around the world are also paying a heavy price for the dispute, as Ukraine and Russia are major suppliers of food and oil.
Russian launched the so-called special military operation in Ukraine in February, marking the start of the armed conflict between the two nations.
With regard to Laos’ stance on the crisis, Laos’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement calling on both sides to defuse the tension through diplomatic means.
“The Lao PDR has been closely following the evolving, complex, and sensitive developments in Ukraine,” read the statement, which was issued in February.
“The Lao PDR calls on all parties concerned to exercise utmost restraint and pursue efforts in deescalating the tension that may undermine international peace and security.”
“The Lao PDR supports ongoing efforts to find a peaceful settlement to the situation through diplomatic means.”

By Times Reporter
 (Latest Update May 16, 2022)