The Philippine Center of Excellence in Defense, Development, and Security (PCEDS) hosted a roundtable discussion on the ongoing Russian invasion in Ukraine on 18 March 2022 at the Honor Hall of the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP). Titled the “Roundtable Discussion on the Ukraine-Russia Conflict and its Implications to Geopolitics and Global Security,” the event featured three (3) distinguished speakers: Prof Dr Renato C De Castro of De La Salle University; Col Rommel R Cordova PA, MNSA, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP); and Mr Kritzman G Caballero, the Chief of the Space International Cooperation.

During the roundtable discussion, Prof Dr De Castro delved into the Ukraine-Russia War and its geopolitical consequences in the 21st Century. On one hand, Col Cordova discussed military operations in the ongoing conflict between the two (2) countries, while Mr Caballero tackled the dispute’s implications to the European Union (EU), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the United Nations (UN). NDCP Professor Dr Alan A Lachica served as the moderator of the event.

Also present in the roundtable discussion were military planners from the major services, representatives from the Department of National Defense (DND) and Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), core faculty and defense research officers of the NDCP.

In his opening remarks, Capt Aldrin C Cuña PN (Res), MNSA, Executive Vice President of the NDCP, said the Philippines is feeling the indirect consequences of the conflict despite being far from the battlefields. Meanwhile, Mr Rej C Torrecampo, Associate Professor and Director of PCEDS, noted in his closing remarks the importance of having an infinite mindset in advancing security and participating in global politics.

The PCEDS-led event is the first entirely face-to-face roundtable discussion held at the NDCP this year as the national government eases coronavirus-related restrictions across the Philippines.