Philippines and Ukraine Pledge to Deepen Strategic Partnership Amid Global Security Challenges

The Philippines and Ukraine have reaffirmed their determination to strengthen bilateral ties amidst mounting security challenges posed by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea. A recent high-level forum titled "Strengthening Strategic Ties: Enhancing Cooperation between the Philippines and Ukraine" convened diplomats, military officials, and security experts from both countries to discuss avenues for reinforcing their alliance.

The event, jointly organized by the Ukrainian Embassy in Manila and the Stratbase Institute, emphasized the importance of defending national sovereignty through resilience, innovation, and partnerships with like-minded democratic nations. Ukrainian Ambassador to the Philippines Yuliia Fediv highlighted the shared values and mutual commitments between their geographically distant countries. She stated, "Ukraine and the Philippines, though geographically distant, are connected by a number of shared values and parallel experiences. Both of our nations are committed to defending sovereignty, territorial integrity, and upholding a rule-based international order."

Stratbase Institute President Prof. Victor Andres "Dindo" Manhit drew attention to the parallel challenges faced by both nations. "Ukraine is courageously defending its territory against outright armed aggression, while the Philippines asserts its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea in the face of coercion and incursions. Deeper cooperation between the Philippines and Ukraine is both urgent and strategic," he remarked.

Adding to the discussion, Dr. Hanna Shelest, director of the Security Studies Program at the Foreign Policy Council "Ukrainian Prism," noted the parallels between Europe’s Black Sea region and Asia’s contested maritime zones. She praised the Philippine delegation for their candid acknowledgment of these security concerns, saying, "The Philippines delegation was the only one who stood and openly said, if you don’t understand why it is important for all of us… you’re just not understanding the security challenges that we are facing."

Ukrainian Member of Parliament Tamila Tasheva also underscored the similarities in threats faced by the two countries, especially regarding maritime security. "Both of our countries face stronger neighbors which test the limits of international law in maritime spaces. Both of us understand that maritime security is not only about fleets and ports, but about protecting our people, trade, and principles that keep our global order stable," she said.

This forum followed another joint event held on September 18 with the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) entitled "Navigating Asymmetric Threats: Cross-Regional Strategies for Europe and the Indo-Pacific," further reaffirming Stratbase’s ongoing commitment to fortifying Philippine resilience through enhanced alliances, technological advancement, and collaborative security efforts.