The Philippine has begun repatriating Filipinos from Ukraine, Malacañang said Thursday as Russia launched military operations that put Europe on the brink of war.
The safety of Filipinos in the former Soviet Republic is on top of mind of President Rodrigo Duterte, his acting spokesperson Karlo Nograles said.
"The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, is now conducting repatriation efforts of Filipinos living in Ukraine," Nograles said in a statement.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday authorized a military operation in eastern Ukraine over Russia's demands for an end to NATO's eastward expansion.
Reports of explosions in the distance from the capital Kyiv were reported after Putin's move.
Explosions also rocked the breakaway eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk and civilian aircraft were warned away as the United States said a major attack by Russia on its neighbor was imminent.
The DFA earlier urged Filipinos living in Ukraine who are in need of help for repatriation to contact the Philippine Embassy in Poland by sending an email to [email protected] or calling the emergency number +48 604 357 396, and office mobile number +48 694 491 663.
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