Thailand continues its neutral stance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as stated by Evgeny Tomikhin, the Russian ambassador to Thailand. This neutrality aligns with Thailand’s historic diplomatic ties with Russia, established in 1897 under King Rama V and Tsar Nicholas II. As the 130th anniversary of their relationship approaches, Russia values Thailand's balanced international approach.
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Thailand's position was affirmed during a recent meeting between Tomikhin and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, where they discussed geopolitical developments and bilateral issues. Tomikhin commended Thailand's ongoing dialogue with Russian entities, including government bodies and academic institutions. The meeting coincided with the fourth anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war, which began on February 24, 2022.
Tomikhin emphasized the importance of the "global majority," which includes major nations like China and India, over the Western-centric "civilised community." He criticized Western countries for provoking and prolonging the war, accusing them of fueling the conflict with arms while avoiding direct involvement. He labeled the war a "hybrid conflict," involving military, informational, and political tactics.
The ambassador expressed that the US might be less interested in funding the war under its new administration, whereas European countries remain committed to supporting Ukraine militarily. Russia remains open to dialogue but prioritizes its security interests, viewing NATO’s potential expansion as a threat. Tomikhin underscored Moscow's actions as protective of national interests and Russian citizens in Ukraine.
Addressing Ukrainian claims of child abductions, Tomikhin dismissed accusations of 20,000 abducted children as "completely fake." He referenced Russia-Ukraine negotiations where a smaller list of 339 names was presented. Russia’s investigation found many children listed were residing in Europe and not in Russia. Some involved wartime border crossings, but many were uninvolved in alleged abductions, reported Bangkok Post.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · Bangkok Post · 09 Mar 2026