Brian McFeeters said while all countries needed to do more until the crisis was over, the US was happy that Malaysia joined more than 100 other countries in the vote at the UN General Assembly on March 2.

“We’re quite pleased that Malaysia voted to condemn Russia (over the invasion), that is very important,” McFeeters, who is on a three-day official visit to Sabah, told reporters here today.

“Malaysia also joined other countries in the human rights council to issue a similar condemnatory statement on Russia, so we feel we do have a good partnership with Malaysia.

“It’s one of those things you can never do enough until the crisis is resolved. All of us need to put pressure on Russia any way we can.”

Malaysia made clear its strongest official position over the conflict when it joined 140 other countries in voting to adopt the resolution at the UN General Assembly on March 2.

“Malaysia voted in favour and delivered a statement following the adoption of a resolution titled ‘Aggression against Ukraine’ at the 11th Emergency Special Session (ESS) of the general assembly today,” Malaysia’s mission to the UN said in a tweet.

The resolution demands that Russia “immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders”.

Five countries – Russia, Belarus, Syria, North Korea and Eritrea – voted against it while 35 abstained.

Earlier, McFeeters said the US saw Russia’s action as “unprovoked, unjustified and a premeditated attack” on Ukraine.

“So, I just want to make clear that the US government stands in complete solidarity with Ukraine.

“We’re going to continue to put pressure and sanctions in every way we can (on Russia) and we’re hoping other countries will join us in that effort,” he said.