NINETEEN foreign envoys, led by the United States and the European Union, condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and said it further hurt the poorest among the poor in the Philippines who are still reeling from the economic effects of the pandemic.
“The consequences of Russia’s illegal war are keenly felt in the Philippines, through increases in the prices of fuel, food, fertilizer and other essential commodities. These effects are exacerbating poverty during a critical period of the country’s economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic,” the 19 diplomats based in Manila said in a joint statement.
The 19 ambassadors plenipotentiary and extraordinary and chargé d’affaires a.i. from Australia, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines issued the statement to show their “steadfast solidarity with Ukraine” on the 31st anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.
The Ukrainian Parliament declared its independence from the Soviet Union on August 24, 1991, confirmed by the people’s overwhelming support in a referendum four months later.
Coincidentally, Ukraine’s Independence Day this year marked the sixth month of the Russia-Ukraine war which started February 24, 2022.
“Today, as we commemorate the 31st anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, and in light of the ongoing brutal, unprovoked, and unjustifiable war of aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, we have greater resolve than ever to stand with Ukraine and affirm its right to uphold its sovereignty and territorial integrity, to defend itself, and to choose its own future,” the diplomats declared.
The ambassadors said they will refuse to recognize Russia’s continued attempts to “re-draw borders by force,” which they insisted are a “blatant violation of international law” as well as of the United Nations Charter.
Russia’s aggression, they said, has impacted the world, including the Filipino people.
“In light of this, we continue to commit to demonstrating global solidarity through working to address the international repercussions of Russia’s aggression, especially on the most vulnerable,” they said.
“We will also continue our international support to democratic institutions and advancing common values and principles, including free media and countering disinformation and interference in democratic processes,” they added.
“We reaffirm our strong opposition to any unilateral action that seeks to undermine the international rules-based system that underpins global peace, prosperity, and security. We continue to call on all states to join the growing chorus of condemnation for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine,” they added.
The Department of Foreign Affairs had no reaction on the statement of solidarity of the 19 ambassadors. DFA Assistant Secretary Eduardo Meñez said DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo sent the customary greetings to his Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba.
When reached for comment, press attaché Nina Prakapovich of the Russian Embassy in Manila said they have no comment as of press time on the joint statement of support for Ukraine.
Ukraine’s non-resident charge d’affaires to the Philippines Denys Mykhailiuk welcomed the statement of support from his diplomatic colleagues in Manila.
“We are very pleased at their statement of like-minded countries in the Philippines, of their efforts to spread the word of truth in Asia,” Mykhailuk told Business Mirror in a phone interview from Kuala Lumpur.
“We do support the statement that the Russian invasions affect greatly food security and political security in Asian region and all over the world. We will be pleased if Filipinos could support and help in the humanitarian efforts in Ukraine,” he added.