Envoys back Ukraine’s Independence Day

MANILA, Philippines — Several foreign embassies and diplomatic missions in the Philippines reaffirmed yesterday their support for Ukraine and its right to uphold sovereignty and territorial integrity, as the war-torn nation marked 31 years of independence.

In a joint statement, the embassies of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union delegation to the Philippines said they stand with Ukraine.

“We have greater resolve than ever to stand with Ukraine and affirm its right to uphold its sovereignty and territorial integrity, to defend itself and to choose its own future,” the statement read.

Ukraine’s Independence Day on Aug. 24 commemorates the country’s declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

The diplomats said that “over the last 31 years, Ukraine has established itself as a free, democratic and sovereign country.”

“Today, as we commemorate the 31st anniversary of Ukraine’s independence and in light of the ongoing brutal, unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, we have greater resolve than ever to stand with Ukraine and affirm its right to uphold its sovereignty and territorial integrity, to defend itself and to choose its own future,” the statement read.

“We condemn and will not recognize Russia’s continued attempts to re-draw borders by force, which is a blatant violation of international law and breach of the United Nations Charter. We reaffirm our strong opposition to any unilateral action that seeks to undermine the international rules-based system that underpins global peace, prosperity and security,” it added.

The diplomats noted that the “consequences of Russia’s illegal war are keenly felt in the Philippines, through increases in the prices of fuel, food, fertilizer and other essential commodities. These effects are exacerbating poverty during a critical period of the country’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“In light of this, we continue to commit to demonstrating global solidarity through working to address the international repercussions of Russia’s aggression, especially on the most vulnerable,” they said.

They said they will also continue their international support to democratic institutions and advancing common values and principles, including free media and countering disinformation and interference in democratic processes.

“We salute the courage and resolve of the Ukrainian people in their defence of their country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in their fight for a peaceful, prosperous and democratic future,” the diplomats said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Russia of a “powerful response” to any attacks timed to coincide with Ukraine’s Independence Day. He said Russia could do “something particularly ugly” ahead of yesterday’s anniversary.

According to the United Nations, over 13 million people have been forced to flee their homes, seeking safety elsewhere in the country or protection abroad. Entire cities and villages have been razed, and over 5,500 civilians have lost their lives.

Six months after the Russian invasion, Ukraine is the scene of the largest humanitarian crisis in Europe since the Second World War.