Malacañang Refutes Claims of US Recruiting Filipinos for Ukraine Conflict

MANILA – The Philippine government has categorically denied allegations that the United States is recruiting Filipino nationals to participate in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Malacañang, citing the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), emphasized that such reports are unfounded and constitute "fake news."

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro referred to statements from DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and the Ukrainian Embassy in Manila, both of which have refuted the claims.

The controversy began after Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova accused an American private security firm of actively seeking Filipino recruits for the Ukrainian military. According to a report by a Russian news agency, these recruits are allegedly issued Schengen work visas through the consular section of the German Embassy in Manila and are purportedly employed by Berlin-based private security companies.

Zakharova further alleged that once the recruits arrive in Germany, they are transferred to other countries, including EU members such as Poland and ultimately Ukraine. However, the German Embassy in Manila has promptly denied these accusations.

The Philippine government’s dismissal of these claims reinforces ongoing efforts to prevent misinformation and protect Filipino citizens from being drawn into foreign conflicts without official sanction.