Singapore is opposed to the annexation of Crimea into Russia, and urges all parties to respect international law and take steps to de-escalate tensions and resolve the crisis peacefully, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Friday.

"Minister for Foreign Affairs K. Shanmugam set out Singapore's position clearly in Parliament on 5 March 2014," the ministry said in a statement.

"Singapore opposes the annexation of any country or territory as it contravenes international law. We also object to any unprovoked invasion of a sovereign country under any pretext," it added.

"Singapore affirms the principles of respect for territorial integrity, non-interference in the domestic affairs of a sovereign nation, respect for sovereignty and the rule of law. Singapore therefore opposes the annexation of Crimea into Russia."

The situation in Crimea is the possibly the worst standoff between Russia and the West since the Cold War. Threats and sanctions have only served to make matters worse.

The Black Sea peninsula and its port of Sevastopol is being annexed by Russia following a referendum conducted last week.