Ukraine thanks Philippines for ‘yes’ vote on UN resolution calling for peace

Ukraine has expressed gratitude to the Philippines for its support of a United Nations (UN) resolution calling for lasting peace and the cessation of Russia's war on Ukraine.

According to JP Soriano’s Monday report on “24 Oras,” the Philippines is one of 93 countries that supported the resolution on February 24, the third anniversary of the start of Russia's invasion.

“We are very happy to learn that just a few days ago, the Philippines has voted in favor of the Ukrainian resolution, and that was very positive, and we do really highly appreciate,” Oleksandr Lysak, First Secretary, Chargé d’ Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Ukraine in the Philippines, said in an exclusive interview with GMA Integrated News.

One of the countries that voted against the resolution is the United States, signaling a switch in the US' position under US President Donald Trump.

The vote was followed by Trump's hostile meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the White House last weekend, with Trump and Vice President JD Vance alleging that Ukraine was ungrateful for the support is has received.

US-PH ties

Chester Cabalza, a foreign policy and defense security expert, said Trump is balancing his relationship with other big and powerful countries such as China and Russia. 

Cabalza expressed concern at the possibility that Trump could treat the Philippines like Ukraine.

“Natatakot tayo dahil kahit na meron tayong ironclad commitment and all this treaty ally tayo ng US, especially now with their policy of 'America First' baka magbago rin yung kanilang temper and support to the Philippines,” Cabalza, president of the International Development and Security Cooperation, told GMA Integrated News in a separate interview.

(I’m concerned that with Trump's “America First” policy, US support for the Philippines could change despite the ironclad commitment.)

The Trump administration recently affirmed the US' "ironclad" commitment to the Philippines.

“We see the art of politics kung gaano kagaling ang ating pangulo sa pakikipag diskusyon kay Pangulong Trump. But of course, ang katanungan dun ay kung mag a-align ba ang ating pangulo at ang ating bansa sa kagustuhan ng Amerika?” he added.

(We see the art of politics in how good President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is in his discussion with Trump. But of course, the question there is whether or not Marcos and our country's vision align with Trump.)

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President and Malacañang have no comments for now.

GMA Integrated News has reached out to Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo for comments.

Ukraine believes that the Philippines and Ukraine have a strong alliance, especially since both are experiencing harassment from other countries who violate the rules-based order and claim sovereignty rights.

“I’m sure that the Philippine government will remain, let me say, the same term, 'ironclad' for support of Ukraine. We will continue to observe our Philippine colleagues and Philippine government to be supportive of just, lasting and comprehensive peace and that should be based on the rule of international law,” Lysak said. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BM, GMA Integrated News