Philippines Stands Firm on Ukraine as US Shifts Position at UN Vote.
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FEB.28,2025
Philippines — The Philippines reaffirmed its stance at the United Nations, voting in favor of a resolution demanding Russia’s withdrawal from Ukraine. In a surprising turn, however, the United States broke ranks with its European allies and voted against the measure for the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.
Firefighters work on a fire on a building after bombings on the eastern Ukraine town of Chuguiv on February 24, 2022, as Russian armed forces are trying to invade Ukraine from several directions, using rocket systems and helicopters to attack Ukrainian position in the south, the border guard service said. Russia’s ground forces on Thursday crossed into Ukraine from several directions, Ukraine’s border guard service said, hours after President Vladimir Putin announced the launch of a major offensive. Russian tanks and other heavy equipment crossed the frontier in several northern regions, as well as from the Kremlin-annexed peninsula of Crimea in the south, the agency said.
The European-backed UN General Assembly resolution, passed on February 25, 2025, with 93 votes in favor, condemned Russia’s prolonged aggression against Ukraine. It called for an immediate ceasefire and urged Moscow to withdraw its military forces. The Philippines has consistently supported such resolutions since the war’s onset, emphasizing its commitment to international law and the UN Charter.
US Reversal: A Shift in Policy on Ukraine
The US vote against the resolution marks a major policy shift, aligning Washington with countries like Russia, North Korea, Belarus, Hungary, Israel, and Sudan in opposition. This move represents a significant divergence from previous US support for Ukraine at the UN.
Following its controversial vote, the US introduced its own UN Security Council resolution, which notably did not name Russia as the aggressor. This proposal called for peace but omitted any condemnation of Moscow, leading key allies like the United Kingdom and France to abstain after their attempts to amend the wording were vetoed.
Philippines Maintains Its Stand
Despite the US pivot, the Philippines’ Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo made it clear that Manila would not change its position.
“We maintained our stance on the last resolution,” Manalo said in an interview with NewsWatch Plus. “As far as we’re concerned, we still support the fundamental principles of international law and the UN Charter.”
Manalo acknowledged the US resolution’s emphasis on peace but reaffirmed that the Philippines will continue backing resolutions that uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Trump’s New Approach to Ukraine Aid
The policy shift under US President Donald Trump also brings new conditions for Ukraine aid. Trump stated that he aims to secure compensation for billions in US assistance previously approved by the Biden administration. He suggested that Ukraine should provide rare earth minerals, oil, or other strategic resources in return for continued American support.
Global Implications of the US Vote
The US vote against the UN resolution raises concerns about its long-term commitment to Ukraine and its impact on NATO and European security. With Washington prioritizing economic benefits over unconditional military aid, the global balance in the Ukraine conflict could shift.
Meanwhile, the Philippines’ unwavering stance highlights its dedication to defending international law, territorial integrity, and global stability, despite geopolitical shifts among major powers.
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