Marcos open to talk to Zelensky but says supporting Ukraine's peace plan not for PH to decide

ZURICH, Switzerland - President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Sunday said his government has no problem engaging with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky but for now, the two have yet to schedule a meeting.

“We have already had engagements with our Ukrainian counterparts, so I was quite surprised to hear the Ukrainian ambassador’s statement that we have not been provided a response from our camp," Marcos told reporters while on board the plane from Manila to Switzerland where he is set to attend the World Economic Forum.

Asked whether the Philippine government supports Ukraine’s 10-point peace plan, which calls for the full withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine and condemns Russia’s takeover of the country, Marcos said, “That’s not for us to decide. Those details are for — should there be talks — between Ukraine and Russia. They should talk it out. We support any effort towards peace — anything. As long as the violence and war stops, that’s all that matters. How they handle the territories is that is clearly between the two countries," Marcos said.

Denys Mykhailiuk, chargé d’affaires of the Embassy of Ukraine in Malaysia, on Friday said he mentioned before members of the media that there was a standing invitation for a phone call between Marcos and Zelensky.

However, he clarified that he was not complaining that they have yet to receive a response from the Palace.

An official from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday that Ukraine should not have made public its requests for a discussion with Marcos.

"First of all we don't really appreciate when these things are done... Ukraine is a country that we have good relationship with... but when matters like these are vented by representatives of another government through the press, it's not something we appreciate," DFA Undersecretary Carlos Sorreta said during a Palace briefing.

"If he wants this to happen, we have to discuss it. These things are arranged, talking points are discussed. There's pre-discussion... It is not good diplomatic practice to be doing it the way he did. I think I'll leave it at that," he added.

The economic and humanitarian impact of Russia's attack on Ukraine is one of the issues expected to be tackled at the World Economic Forum to be held from January 16 to 20 in Davos, Switzerland. —KG, GMA Integrated News