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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH Army explores cooperation with Ukraine to enhance modern warfare strategies

PH Army explores cooperation with Ukraine to enhance modern warfare strategies

Published Aug 30, 2025 09:34 am
Ukrainian Ambassador to the Philippines Yuliia Fediv (second from left) and Ukraine’s First Non-Resident Defense, Military, Air, and Naval Attaché (NRA) to the Philippines Col. Andrii Bilenkyi (left) explore possible cooperation on modern warfare with Brig. Gen. Roderick Balbanero (fourth from right), acting Philippine Army (PA) vice commander, during their introductory call at the PA Headquarters, Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City on Aug. 28, 2025. (Photo: PA)
Ukrainian Ambassador to the Philippines Yuliia Fediv (second from left) and Ukraine’s First Non-Resident Defense, Military, Air, and Naval Attaché (NRA) to the Philippines Col. Andrii Bilenkyi (left) explore possible cooperation on modern warfare with Brig. Gen. Roderick Balbanero (fourth from right), acting Philippine Army (PA) vice commander, during their introductory call at the PA Headquarters, Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City on Aug. 28, 2025. (Photo: PA)
The Philippine Army (PA) said Saturday, Aug. 30, that it is looking to strengthen its understanding of modern warfare through potential cooperation with Ukraine.
This, as Ukrainian Ambassador to the Philippines Yuliia Fediv and Ukraine’s First Non-Resident Defense, Military, Air, and Naval Attaché (NRA) to the Philippines Col. Andrii Bilenkyi rendered an introductory call at the Army Headquarters, Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City on Aug. 28. Ukrainian Embassy to the Philippines First Secretary Mr. Oleksandr Lysak was also present during the call.
They were received by Brig. Gen. Roderick Balbanero, acting PA vice commander.
“During the call, Brig. Gen. Balbanero conveyed how Ukraine’s experience opens opportunities for cooperation that directly support the PA’s understanding of modern warfare,” Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said.
The PA considers Ukraine’s military experience as a good opportunity to learn practical insights into adapting to hybrid threats, leveraging technology, and maintaining resilience in prolonged conflict.
Ukraine has been defending itself against Russia’s full-scale invasion since February 2022, in what has become Europe’s biggest armed conflict since World War II.
The war has highlighted Ukraine’s use of asymmetric tactics, drone warfare, and strong international partnerships to withstand and push back against a larger adversary.
The PA said it will continue pursuing international engagements as part of its broader effort to enhance capability, readiness, and interoperability with partners.
The Embassy of Ukraine in the Philippines officially started operations in December 2024, with Fediv serving as its first envoy.
Bilyenki, who is currently stationed at the Embassy of Ukraine in Japan, also concurrently serves as Ukraine’s NRA to Indonesia and Singapore.
The military cooperation between the Philippines and Ukraine has seen notable developments in recent years.
In 2023, Ukraine invited the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to join a military technical exchange program, offering to share its frontline experience in countering a larger aggressor. The proposal highlighted Kyiv’s willingness to provide practical insights into modern conflict.
Momentum for stronger ties continued in June 2025 during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, where Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met with Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister Oleksandr Kozenko.
Kyiv announced plans to deploy a defense attaché to Manila, a move seen as a step toward deeper bilateral cooperation. The talks focused on Ukraine’s advancements in drone technology, cyber defense, and logistics, while also recognizing the Philippines’ expertise in maritime disaster response and trauma recovery.

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