President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the Philippines’ support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence as the war reached its 1,000th day on Wednesday.
In a statement on social media, President Marcos highlighted the country’s enduring commitment to Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia, emphasizing the nation’s hopes for “comprehensive, just and lasting peace.”
“Yesterday marked the 1,000th day since the war in Ukraine began,” Mr. Marcos wrote on X. “In my meeting with President [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy on June 3, I reiterated the Philippines’ unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity.”
Mr. Marcos described Ukraine as a “valued partner” and noted that relations between the two nations continue to grow stronger.
The Philippines has consistently voiced support for Ukraine at international forums, joining calls for a peaceful resolution to the war.
The war, which began on Feb. 24, 2022, has caused significant devastation and displacement in Ukraine, with no clear resolution in sight despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The US embassy in Kyiv meanwhile warned of a “potential significant air attack” and shuttered its doors, following Russia’s vow to respond after Ukraine fired longer-range US missiles at its territory for the first time.
“The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has received specific information of a potential significant air attack on November 20,” it said in a message on its website.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the Embassy will be closed, and Embassy employees are being instructed to shelter in place,” it added.
“The U.S. Embassy recommends U.S. citizens be prepared to immediately shelter in the event an air alert is announced.”
Russia warned on Tuesday that it would respond after Ukraine fired longer-range US missiles at its territory—a first in the nearly three-year war. A senior Ukrainian official told Agence France Presse (AFP) that a strike on Russia’s Bryansk region on Tuesday “was carried out by ATACMS missiles”—a reference to the US-supplied Army Tactical Missile System.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the attack showed Western countries wanted to “escalate” the conflict.
Washington this week said it had cleared Ukraine to use ATACMS against military targets inside Russia—a long-standing Ukrainian request. With AFP
