‘It’s disgusting’: Ukrainians in Bangkok condemn invitation of Putin

Ukrainians living in Thailand today expressed anger and disappointment to news that Russian President Vladimir Putin may be coming to Bangkok next month for the APEC summit, with some vowing to protest his arrival.

Responding to media reports that Putin had accepted an invitation to attend, Ukrainians told Coconuts that they felt ashamed and frustrated that Thailand would host someone they described as a terrorist. Several of those who spoke only provided their first names.

“It’s disgusting and very disrespectful,” Maksym Zavodnuik, 30, told Coconuts. “While most of the countries are trying to isolate Russia and Putin from the world and sanction him, Thailand literally does the opposite and welcomes him.”

“I feel unsafe and disappointed Thailand would host a terrorist in this country while the rest of the civilized world is cutting all diplomatic…