In a moment of converging threats, the Philippines and Ukraine crystallized plans to deepen their partnership, positioning Manila as a key Asian ally to Kyiv’s resistance.
At a high-level forum titled “Strengthening Strategic Ties: Enhancing Cooperation between the Philippines and Ukraine,” experts, diplomats, and military officials from both countries spotlighted how the battles over territory in Eastern Europe and the South China Sea are, in essence, one shared contest — the defense of sovereignty.
“Coercion unites us,” declared Stratbase President Prof. Dindo Manhit. “Ukraine battles armed invasion; the Philippines resists maritime encroachments. Our paths demand synergy, not silence.”
Ukrainian Ambassador Yuliia Fediv struck the same chord: “Though oceans apart, our nations are bound by values and shared trials. We both defend sovereignty, uphold territorial integrity, and rely on a rules-based global order.”
Lessons from Ukraine for the Philippines
Maritime parallels. Ukrainian MP Tamila Tasheva drew a line between the Black Sea and the West Philippine Sea: “Both nations face stronger neighbors who test the boundaries of international law … Maritime security is about more than ships — it’s about people, trade, global order.”
Drone warfare & innovation. Natalia Gumenyuk of Ukraine’s Public Interest Journalism Lab stressed that modern battlefields pivot on technology. “Ukraine is helping create the global drone doctrine,” she said — lessons that could inform PH’s future defense posture.
Beyond Defense: Trade, Diplomacy, Reciprocity
Trade potential. MP Vadym Halaichuk noted that Philippine-Ukraine trade hovers under $70 million — a mere fraction of future possibilities. He urged Manila to shift some supply chains away from China and toward Ukraine.
Diplomatic infrastructure. With Ukraine now operating an embassy in Manila, Kyiv expects Manila to respond in kind.
Food & cultural bridge. Ukraine is a major grain exporter, which could help with PH food security. Meanwhile, cultural diplomacy — from filmmaking to music — can solidify soft power ties.
PH Takeaways & Warnings
Strategic burden. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista (Ret.) warned the crowd: “Could China strike the Philippines like Russia did Ukraine? It’s not hyperbole — Asia is watching.”
Whole-of-nation readiness. RADM Rommel Jude Ong (Ret.) argued that China’s growing naval force demands a comprehensive Philippine defense strategy that is sustainable and credible.
Reciprocity matters. Dr. Chester Cabalza urged that Manila must match Ukraine’s goodwill, especially after Ukraine backed PH’s bid in the UNSC.
Anchoring Alliances in a Turbulent World
This Ukraine-PH forum builds on Stratbase’s earlier Asia-Europe dialogue with the European Council on Foreign Relations, which spotlighted hybrid threats — cyberattacks, lawfare, gray-zone operations. By convening both the European and Ukrainian fronts, Stratbase is signaling a new era: the Philippines is no longer a passive player but an active architect of regional resilience.