In a post on X following the United Nations vote on 'advancing a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine' on the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war, Nasheed said he was "very proud of Maldives for voting with Ukraine."
Russian Ambassador of Russia to Sri Lanka and Maldives Levan Dzhagaryan issued a statement after former President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed expressed support for Ukraine's bid for lasting peace.
In a post on X following the United Nations vote on 'advancing a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine' on the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war, Nasheed said he was "very proud of Maldives for voting with Ukraine."
Nasheed also said he was curious to see the United States align itself with Russia and North Korea, but that he was glad Maldives found the courage and foresight to vote with the European countries and plain common sense."
This was met with dissatisfaction from Russia, with Dzhagaryan questioning why an experienced politician like Nasheed was unable to catch "new growing trends towards peaceful resolution of [the] Ukrainian conflict."
"While the US is moving to a more pragmatic and realistic approach, Mr. Nasheed prefers following [an] outdated European aggressive position and militaristic rhetoric," Dzhagaryan's statement published on the Russian Embassy's Telegram channel read.
He also reminded Nasheed that it is Russian tourists who significantly contribute to the Maldives' tourism figures and not Ukraine.
"I humbly expect Mr. Nasheed to express gratitude for such support to his nation," the statement ended.
Nasheed responded on X apologising that his stance on the UNGA matter "disturbed" the ambassador.
" I would like to assure you that this was not in any way a position taken against Russia. We want to see peace, just as I’m sure you do. As you know, the Maldives is a small nation, and we do not want to be caught up in rapidly changing geopolitics. The position that the Maldives took is a position that the country always maintains, given that we are a small state," Nasheed wrote.
"Ambassador, we highly value Russia's contribution to the Maldives, as visible in the number of Russian tourists that visit our country. A very blessed Ramadan to President Putin, the people of Russia, you, and your family," he added, tagging the embassy's X account.
The embassy responded shortly after, thanking Nasheed for his positive response.
"We respect every country regardless of its size, including [Maldives]. We also stand for peaceful resolution of all conflicts, Ukraine, Gaza, Syria. May Ramadan bring you and your family prosperity and joy," the embassy said.
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