Volodymyr Zelenskyy is making a surprise appearance in the Philippines today, thanking it for its participation in a high-level peace summit later this month.
In their first in-person meeting in Manila, the Ukrainian president thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr for his "clear position" on Russia's "occupation of our territories".
"I'm happy to hear today from you that you participate (in) our basic steps to the peace," Mr Zelenskyy told his Philippine counterpart during their bilateral meeting, speaking in English.
He also announced that Ukraine would open an embassy in Manila this year.
