Service members of pro-Russian troops in uniforms without insignia are seen atop of a tank with the letter “Z” painted on its sides in the separatist-controlled settlement of Buhas (Bugas), as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, in the Donetsk region, Ukraine March 1, 2022. (REUTERS)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has joined 140 other nations in deploring Russia’s “aggression against Ukraine.”
During an emergency special session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the UN Enrique Manalo cast a “yes” vote on the resolution on Thursday (Manila time).
The Philippines was among the 141 member states that voted in favor of the resolution. Five others voted “no” while 35 nations abstained from voting on the resolution.
PH Ambassador Enrique A. Manalo casts a YES vote on resolution on “Aggression against Ukraine” at the 11th UN Emergency Special Session (under GA RES 377 A (V), “Uniting for peace” of 1950. 141 Member States voted YES, 5 – NO, and 35 ABSTAINED. 🇵🇭🇺🇳 pic.twitter.com/ZUVCzzwJk3
— Philippine Mission to the UN (@PHMissionNY) March 2, 2022
“We strongly urge the cessation of hostilities; but while an offense can be stopped at will ,the defense cannot rest until the offense stops,” read the Philippine statement, which was issued on Monday by the Department of Foreign Affairs and earlier delivered before the UNGA session.
“We call for massive assistance commensurate with the growing humanitarian crisis and echo the UN Secretary General’s appeal for respect of humanitarian principles to protect civilians and civilian infrastructures in Ukraine. Safe access to humanitarian assistance must be assured by the most effective means,” it added.
The adopted UN resolution “demands” Russia “immediately” withdraw from Ukraine.
It also “deplores” the invasion of Ukraine “in the strongest terms” and condemns the decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin to put his nuclear forces on alert.