INCOMING National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos said on Friday, June 10, 2022, she will urge President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to remain neutral over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine due to the invasion of Russia.Carlos cited the Philippines’ “very good” relationship with Russia over the past years.”We will take a neutral stance. Yun naman ang ginawa natin (That’s what we’ve been doing) from the beginning, and we have a robust relationship with Russia and Russia might be able to supply us with much needed oil and gas,” Carlos said in a Laging Handa public briefing.”Andyan lang ‘yung Russia (Russia is always there), they are also pivoting to our area. We should take advantage of that,” she added.Based on reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the deployment of his military troops to two breakaway regions in Eastern Ukraine as they work in restoring Russia’s influence over nations, which emerged after the dismantling of the Soviet Union.Putin reportedly said that Ukraine is holding an important place in his ambitions.The United Nations said nearly five million individuals from Ukraine have sought refuge across Europe since the conflict erupted in February.Earlier, although President Rodrigo Duterte said he would remain neutral, he called the immediate end of what he called a “stupid war” that has resulted in unnecessary loss of lives. (SunStar Philippines)