The Philippines and Ukraine committed to strengthening their strategic partnership in response to rising global security threats, including Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea.
At a high-level forum co-hosted by the Stratbase Institute and the Ukrainian Embassy in Manila, lawmakers, diplomats, and defense experts from both nations emphasized the urgent need for cooperation grounded in shared democratic values and mutual experiences of defending sovereignty.
“Ukraine is courageously defending its territory… while the Philippines asserts its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea,” said Stratbase president Prof. Dindo Manhit.
Ukrainian officials stressed similarities between the two nations, particularly in maritime challenges posed by powerful neighbors. Ukrainian MP Tamila Tasheva noted, “Maritime security is not only about fleets… but about protecting our people and global stability.”
Experts also discussed the transformative role of technology in modern warfare, highlighting Ukraine’s innovation in drone warfare and battlefield adaptability.
On diplomacy and trade, Ukrainian MPs urged deeper ASEAN engagement, enhanced cultural exchanges, and economic cooperation—especially in agriculture and goods diversification. They also welcomed the recent opening of the Ukrainian Embassy in Manila and called for reciprocal Philippine representation in Kyiv.
Philippine defense and security experts echoed the urgency of deterrence and strategic partnerships. “We need to develop a capable, but also sustainable armed forces… to prevent war,” said former AFP Chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista.
The forum capped a series of Stratbase-led engagements aimed at reinforcing Philippine resilience through global cooperation, innovation, and a rules-based international order.
