Zelenskyy thanks the Philippines for backing peace talks with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed gratitude to his Philippine counterpart, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, for backing the upcoming peace summit with Russia. In their first meeting in Manila, Zelenskyy commended Marcos for Manila’s “clear position” against Moscow’s occupation of Ukrainian territories.
Zelenskyy thanked the Philippine leader for participating in efforts towards peace and said the support serves as a “very strong signal.”
Wearing military fatigues, Zelenskyy met Marcos after appearing unscheduled at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore over the weekend.
While Marcos addressed the forum, criticizing “illegal, coercive” actions in the South China Sea without naming China, Zelenskyy said he was disappointed with Beijing’s absence at the peace talks.
The Switzerland summit, scheduled for June 15-16, aims to resolve the conflict through diplomacy. Russia has denied the talks’ meaning without its presence.
Assuring continued backing, Marcos told Zelenskyy it was an “honor” to discuss common issues. Ukraine will reportedly open an embassy in Manila this year to bolster ties.
With global support crucial for Kyiv, Zelenskyy’s outreach highlights the Philippines’ solidarity in facilitating an end to the months-long war.
