PH assures Ukraine as Russian invasion reaches 1,000th day

MANILA, Philippines — As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine entered its 1,000th day, President Marcos expressed his desire to see “comprehensive, just and lasting peace” in Ukraine, as he reaffirmed his support for the Eastern European nation’s sovereignty and independence.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Marcos said the Philippines considered Ukraine a “valued partner,” in reference to the 32 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries that began on April 7, 1992.

“It is our hope that we will see comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Ukraine is our valued partner, and our relations continue to go from strength to strength,” the President said.

He also cited his productive meeting with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on June 3, where he reiterated the country’s “unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity.”

Marcos made the remarks as Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine entered its 1,000th day on Tuesday.

‘Push Russia harder’

On the same day, Zelenskyy virtually addressed a special session of the European Parliament and urged Europe to “push Russia harder,” adding that the more time that Russian President Vladimir Putin has, “the worse the conditions become.”

Zelenskyy also vowed never to surrender to Russia, amid Moscow’s claims that Ukraine used long-range missiles from the United States to strike a military arsenal in Russia’s Bryansk border region earlier this week.

In June, Zelenskyy stopped by Manila for a one-day working visit and thanked Marcos for the Philippines’ “big word and clear position” on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine’s territories.

In 2023, the Philippines renewed its call for Russia and Ukraine to settle their conflict through diplomacy.

Manila Embassy

It also consistently voted in favor of United Nations resolutions on Ukraine that called for comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, and affirmed its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence.

Zelenskyy also thanked the President for the country’s participation in the peace summit held in Switzerland and informed Marcos of Ukraine’s plan to open an embassy in Manila within the year.