Ukraine reaffirmed its commitment to a just and lasting peace while highlighting the growing partnership between Ukraine and the Philippines during a news conference hosted by the Embassy of Ukraine in the Philippines.

Ambassador of Ukraine to the Philippines Yuliia Fediv outlined Ukraine's key diplomatic priorities: Advancing peace efforts, increasing international pressure on Russia to end its aggression, strengthening global partnerships, and expanding practical cooperation with the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

"Despite the extraordinary challenges posed by Russia's aggression, Ukraine has maintained and strengthened its position as an independent, proactive and influential actor in global affairs," the ambassador said.

"Ukrainian diplomacy works around the clock to defend our sovereignty, strengthen our partnerships, and bring a just and lasting peace closer."

Ukraine-Philippines relations enter new phase

A central focus of the briefing was the strengthening relationship between Ukraine and the Philippines following the successful second round of political consultations held in Manila recently, the first such consultations between the two countries since 2010.

"The consultations demonstrated that Ukraine-Philippines relations have entered a more active and practical phase," the ambassador stated.

"Our goal is to translate political goodwill into concrete cooperation."

Ukraine expressed appreciation for the Philippines' consistent support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in international organizations, as well as for humanitarian assistance provided by the Philippine private sector, including the donation of generators to communities affected by attacks on civilian energy infrastructure.

The ambassador highlighted growing opportunities for cooperation in defense technologies, cyber resilience, critical infrastructure protection, food security, trade, education and humanitarian initiatives.

Ukraine is also working with Philippine counterparts on a package of bilateral agreements covering defense cooperation, agriculture, trade, culture and mobility.

Ukraine welcomed the Philippines' ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026 and expressed hope for deeper engagement with Southeast Asia, including support for Ukraine’s aspiration to become an ASEAN sectoral dialogue partner.

"Ukraine and the Philippines may be geographically distant, but we are united by our commitment to sovereignty, international law, freedom of navigation, and the rules based international order."

The ambassador also highlighted Ukraine's readiness to share its battlefield-tested expertise in drone technologies, cyber defense, resilience, and countering hybrid threats, areas of growing relevance to countries facing increasingly complex security challenges.

Looking ahead, the planned visit of Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, to Manila in July 2026 is expected to mark a significant milestone in bilateral relations.

The visit is expected to advance cooperation across political, economic, security, and humanitarian sectors, while providing an opportunity to formalize several bilateral initiatives currently under discussion.

Peace through strength

The ambassador reaffirmed Ukraine's commitment to achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the principles of the United Nations Charter, sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law.

Ukraine’s military resilience and the stabilization of the frontline have strengthened the country’s position in diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war and restoring peace.

Ukraine continues to support international peace initiatives while emphasizing the importance of strong transatlantic cooperation.

While US-led diplomatic efforts remain essential, Ukraine also sees opportunities for Europe to play a complementary role in addressing specific issues such as localized ceasefires, the protection of critical infrastructure, nuclear safety, humanitarian corridors and the return of civilian hostages.

"Russia has failed to achieve its strategic objectives in this war," the Ambassador stated. “The international community possesses the leverage necessary to encourage Moscow to engage in meaningful peace negotiations."

Increasing the cost of aggression

The ambassador underscored Ukraine's efforts, together with its international partners, to increase pressure on Russia through sanctions, accountability mechanisms and diplomatic isolation.

Ukraine continues to support international initiatives aimed at ensuring accountability for war crimes and other violations of international law, including the establishment of a special tribunal, International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, the Register of Damage for Ukraine, and compensation mechanisms for victims of Russian aggression.

The ambassador also highlighted the importance of continued military, financial and political support for Ukraine, including enhanced air defense capabilities, investments in Ukraine's defense industry, progress toward European Union membership, and cooperation to counter ballistic missile threats.

“Every step that strengthens Ukraine’s security strengthens the prospects for a just peace,” Fediv said.

Ukraine's expanding role

Fediv highlighted Ukraine's growing diplomatic engagement across the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Central and Southeast Asia, and the South Caucasus, where Ukraine is expanding political, economic, humanitarian and security cooperation.

Ukraine has nearly doubled its diplomatic presence in Africa, increasing from 10 to 18 embassies, while pursuing new initiatives in trade, investment, energy, reconstruction, scientific collaboration and food security.

"Ukraine is increasingly viewed not only as a nation defending itself against aggression but also as a contributor to international security and economic development," the ambassador noted.

Fediv added that Ukraine's expanding global engagement reflects its determination to build mutually beneficial partnerships and contribute to international stability, resilience and sustainable development.

Concluding the briefing, the Ambassador stressed that the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific is increasingly interconnected.

"What is at stake in Ukraine is the same principle that matters in the Indo-Pacific: No country should be allowed to change borders or impose its will by force. Ukraine does not ask partners to choose between regions — we ask them to defend the same principles everywhere."

Ukraine expressed appreciation for the solidarity of the Filipino people and reaffirmed it.