Ukraine’s Zelensky makes surprise stop in Philippines to meet Marcos Jnr

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday made a surprise stop in the Philippines to meet President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr in his office at Malacanang Palace, where both leaders voiced their commitment to sovereignty and a global rules-based order.

Zelensky told Marcos Jnr after their brief meeting: “Thank you so much, Mr President. We’re happy to be first time in the Philippines. I’m sure not the last,” according to an official palace news release.

“Thank you for this invitation, and we’re very thankful to be in here in your country, and, which supports Ukraine, our territorial integrity and sovereignty. Thank you so much for your ‘big word’ and clear position about us, about this Russia occupation of our territories, and thank you on your support,” Zelensky was quoted as saying.

In turn, the palace said Marcos Jnr told the Ukrainian president it was “very good news” that the latter’s country would soon be opening an embassy in Manila this year “because we would very much like to continue to help, in any way that the Philippines can, through multilateral [efforts] and the UN”.

The Philippine leader pledged to “do all we can to promote peace and to bring an end to the fighting”, referencing Ukraine’s war with Russia.

“It will be a difficult road to find our way back to a situation that is morally acceptable not only to Ukraine, but to the rest of the world,” Marcos Jnr noted.

The palace news release also stated: “President Marcos shared that the Philippines has been trying to promote the continuing adherence to international rules-based order as he reiterated the country’s efforts to advocate for peace and do everything it can to promote that peace.”

This was an oblique reference to Marcos Jnr’s repeated assertion that