TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Teuku Faizasyah said Indonesia is concerned about the escalation of the armed conflict in Ukraine that seriously endangers the safety of the people and affects peace in the region.

“[We] assert that international law and the United Nations Charter on territorial integrity must be adhered to and condemn any action that clearly constitutes a violation of the territory and sovereignty of a country,” said Faizasyah in today’s virtual press brief, Feb. 24.

Indonesia, he added, still expects all parties to prioritize negotiations and diplomacy to stop conflicts and encourage peaceful settlements.

Regarding the protection of Indonesian citizens in Ukraine, he confirmed that the Indonesian Embassy in Kyiv had taken the necessary steps. “In accordance with the prepared contingency plan,” Faizasyah claimed.

Before the conflict escalated, the official of the Indonesian Embassy in Kyiv, Erna Herlina, said early Thursday that there was no specific plan to evacuate Indonesian citizens from Ukraine.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin authorized "a special military operation" against Ukraine on Thursday morning, Feb. 24. He said he aimed at demilitarisation and denazification of Ukraine in order to protect the people that are subjected to abuse, genocide from the Kyiv regime.

Read: IDX Slumps After Russia Declares War on Ukraine

DANIEL AHMAD