The ongoing full-scale invasion by Russia of neighboring Ukraine is a “cause of concern” because of some 320 Filipino workers there, most of whom refused to be repatriated, and the economic impact on the prices of oil and goods, Vice President Leni Robredo said on Thursday, Feb. 24.
Reports reached her that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) already offered to bring home the 320 Filipinos in Ukraine, but most of them refused to be repatriated because they still feel safe there.
The Vice President said this is a “cause of concern” and that the government must focus on this because conditions can “shift” any time.
“So, kailangan talaga 'yung mga plano kung saan sila dadalhin ay maayos na (we need to plan and fix where to take them),” she stressed.
“Pero (But) more than this, kailangan din nating paghandaan, ano ba 'yung epekto nito sa halimbawa sa presyo ng– 'yung world prices ng halimbawa, langis, ng marami pang ibang produkto, na 'yun 'yung (we need to be ready for what are the effects of this, for example, on the prices — the world prices of, example, oil, and many other products, that are the) natural consequence na meron ganitong (when there’s an) upheaval,” Robredo added.
Russian forces, on the orders of President Vladimir Putin, launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine by land, sea, and air on Thursday, signaling the biggest attack by one state against another in Europe since the second World War.
Reports said Russian missiles targeted Ukrainian cities, confirming the worst of the West’s fears. Troops also crossed land borders and landed by sea in the southern cities.
The invasion came after months of speculations that Putin will recognize the breakaway People’s Republics of Donetsk and Luhansk (DNR and LNR), which are considered separatist groups in Ukraine.
As an effect of the political turmoil and all-out war, oil prices surged over $100 per barrel on Thursday, Feb. 24, the first time since 2014.
Robredo said these latest developments showed the importance of the country’s membership in the “coalition of nations” and its relationship with traditional and emerging allies.
She explained that the Philippines’ relationships with other forces will ensure that it is not alone in resolving international concerns.
“We continue to assess the situation very, very closely. Pero number one talaga, 'yung kaligtasan ng mga Pilipino doon (But number one really, the safety of the Filipinos there),” she stressed.