Ukraine seeks a just peace

DIPLOMATIC POUCH

- YULIIA FEDIV

"Our liberty will not be secured at the sword's point... We must secure it by making ourselves worthy of it. And when the people reach that height, God will provide a weapon, the idols will be shattered, tyranny will crumble like a house of cards and liberty will shine out like the first dawn." — José Rizal

Keep fighting — you are sure to win! God helps you in your fight! For fame and freedom, march with you, And the right is on your side! — Taras Shevchenko

As the first Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of the Philippines, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Filipino people for their support in our struggle for freedom and dignity. I appreciate the humanitarian aid provided to Ukraine and the solidarity I witness daily in Manila. Thank you to the President, the Government and the members of Parliament for their dedication to Ukraine's territorial integrity and for supporting us during the UN vote. Your help during this challenging time means a lot to us. Thank you for standing with Ukraine.

I begin my first publication featuring quotes from two literary icons and national symbols: José Rizal and Taras Shevchenko. These quotes highlight the themes of dignity and the struggle for freedom, values that have historically united our people, especially in the face of war and oppression.

During my early term, I visited the José Rizal monument and realized how much we share in common. Both Rizal and Shevchenko boldly used poetry to address colonial injustice. Our struggles for independence and the formation of civil society connect us, along with our love for nature and similar cuisine — I particularly enjoy Filipino food.