Philippines should act as peacemaker in Ukraine-Russia conflict, says Pacquiao

As the Philippines casted its "yes" vote to a United Nations General Assembly resolution condemning Russia's "unprovoked armed aggression" in Ukraine, Pacquiao said it would be best for the country to act as peacemaker rather than side with one nation.

"Unang-una, as an international figure sa buong mundo, ang message ko Lang sa Ukraine at Russia ay hindi digmaan ang solusyon sa problema nila. Dapat, kung anuman ang hidwaan nila o hindi pagkakaunawaan ay resolbahin nila sa mapayapang paraan at pag-usapan nilang mabuti," Pacquiao said.

("First of all, as an international figure in the world, my message to Ukraine and Russia is that war is not the solution to their problem. They should resolve their dispute in a peaceful way and discuss it well.)

"Konsiderahin nila na maraming buhay na masasawi, ang pagkasira ng pareho nilang bansa. Lahat magbubuwis ng buhay kaya nga last option ang war o patayan. Sa bagay na ito ay mas maganda na peacemaker tayo," he added.

(They should consider that many lives will be lost, and the destruction of both their countries. Everyone will pay for their lives so war or killing is the last option. In this case, we are better if we act as peacemaker.)

Russia began its invasion of Ukraine last Thursday, with the Kremlin claiming that the separatist leaders of Ukraine's Donetsk and Lugansk regions had asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to "help them repel Ukraine's aggression."

The Philippines' embassies and consulates in nearby countries have been assisting in evacuating Filipinos from Ukraine.—LDF, GMA News