Manila, Philippines - As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine enters its second year, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has reiterated its call for peace in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippines remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity, aligning with the principles of the United Nations Charter.
The DFA highlighted that since the outbreak of hostilities between Moscow and Kyiv, Manila has supported Ukraine by voting in favor of all six resolutions presented during the UN General Assembly Emergency Special Session on the issue. The Philippine government continues to advocate for a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the conflict, recalling the 1982 Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes which champions the settlement of disputes through peaceful means.
United Nations data reveal the severe human toll of the conflict, with at least 10,500 civilians reported dead and many more injured. The war has resulted in the destruction of schools, hospitals, and other critical civilian infrastructure, leaving hundreds of towns and villages without electricity through a harsh winter. Furthermore, millions of people have been displaced, relying heavily on humanitarian assistance.
In a recent address at the UN Security Council meeting, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the importance of respecting Ukraine's sovereignty and independence. He highlighted the devastating impact of the war on Ukrainian civilians, particularly children, many of whom have been separated from their families. Guterres also noted the war's repercussions on the Russian population, including the loss of young soldiers and civilian casualties from strikes on Russian cities.
Guterres expressed concern over the potential for the conflict to escalate further, warning of the war's capacity to deepen geopolitical divides, destabilize regions, and limit the global community's ability to address other pressing issues. He called for an end to the fighting, suffering, and the exacerbation of global tensions, marking two years of conflict with a plea for peace and resolution.