Russian troops have already entered the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, and are near the city center. Russia’s attack on Ukraine has already entered its second day of war, with incursions from all sides and even explosions in Kiev, attributed by the Interior Ministry to anti-aircraft batteries, and the general mobilization decreed by the country’s president, Volodomir Zelensky. Ukraine’s defenses claim to have shot down a Russian aircraft over Kiev.
Meanwhile, the international community decides new sanctions against the Russian Government, in order to hit and isolate the Russian economy, energy and trade.
In order to understand this problem we have to understand the historic context of Russia over Ukraine.Taking into account the recent Independence of Donetsk and Lugansk, and the occupation of Crimea. Russia claims that Ukraine has no history of being a real nation and accused the Ukrainian authorities of corruption. Putin had already delivered a televised speech in which he announced that he recognized the independence of two areas of Ukraine controlled by Russian-backed separatists. Therefore, it sends troops with “peacekeeping functions” in both rebel regions. This led to the recent independence and sovereignty of the self-proclaimed pro-Russian controlled republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, which occupy two-thirds of the region.
The Latinoamerican Response
Although the US and most of the nations of the UN Security Council condemn Russia’s actions, it has found support in its Latin American allies. Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba have aligned themselves with Moscow and have legitimized the military operation launched. President Nicolas Maduro affirms that Russia’s claim is totally legitimate and that there should be no interference by the international community. Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega applauded and directly supported the Kremlin’s decision to recognize the independence of the Donbas and Luhansk regions.
Mexico rejects the use of military force, and points to a peaceful solution between neighboring nations. Yet President Lopez-Obrador has not directly condemned the Kremlin’s actions. In the same position , Brazil asks for the “immediate cessation of hostilities and the beginning of negotiations that lead to a diplomatic solution”, although President Bolsonaro has not declared an official position, if neither of the two countries plan to take measures or economic sanctions against Russia, Putin receives an indirect support to continue operations.
On the other hand, there is a clash of opinions in the Latin American community regarding the case. Both the pro-Russian nations and their counterparts know the commercial and economic impact that this episode will bring to the Latin American region and the world.
President Ivan Duque of Colombia rejects the attacks against Ukraine by Russia and demands the cessation of Russian military intervention in Ukraine. Supporting the position of its US ally to an immediate withdrawal of troops
The official institutions of Argentina declare their firm rejection of the use of armed force and call on Russia to cease military actions in Ukraine.
Chile, Peru and Uruguay do not support the actions by the Kremlin and advocate a diplomatic solution. As representatives of international peace and security, they call for the imperative obligation to find solutions to conflicts through peaceful means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law. The three nations will align themselves with the UN and will support any resolution that comes out of it, including possible sanctions on the country governed by Vladimir Putin.
Unlike Ortega’s statements, the rest of the Central American nations do not support the Russian measure. Costa Rica and Guatemala condemn the Russian attack as a violation of international law and the self-determination of peoples, and will agree with the possible economic measures that are going to be taken.
In El Salvador, President Nayib Bukele affirms his disagreement with Russian actions, however, he declared his high level of mistrust in the US. He adds that the Biden Administration is losing all the credibility it has left and that it calls into question the leadership of the nations of the international community.
Although it is not a member of the Latin American community, its high influence in the region and in global actions make China a determining position in the matter. To this day Beijing wants to avoid openly taking sides in Russia’s conflict over Ukraine. China notes possible cracks in the Western reaction to the Russian attack on Ukraine. At the UN Security Council meeting, Chinese Ambassador to the UN Zhang Jun supported all efforts for a diplomatic solution, and that they should be dealt with on the basis of equality. “The current situation in Ukraine is the result of many complex factors. We believe that all countries should resolve international disputes by peaceful means in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter”