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Latin American leaders react to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

The governments of Peru, Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, among others, called for peace on Thursday

By Jorge Luis Cortina Montiel

February 24, 2022 4:38pm

Updated: February 25, 2022 12:56pm

The international community has condemned the Russian military attack on Ukraine. In Latin America, Peru, Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, among others, called on Thursday for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

"I believe it is important to call for unity among the peoples of the world, for conflicts to be developed within a diplomatic framework, to not invest in bullets, to not invest in ammunition, to invest in sitting down to talk to attack these common enemies that we have throughout the world: poverty, inequality, and disease," Peruvian President Pedro Castillo said at a press conference.

"Peru expresses its deep concern over the evolution of events in Ukraine, rejects the use of force, and reiterates its call to cease all hostilities and ceasefire violations in Ukraine," the Peruvian Foreign Ministry said in a statement published in its Twitter account.

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador stressed that his country's foreign policy will continue to "promote dialogue, the non-use of force and non-invasion."

"We are not in favor of any war. Mexico is a country that has always stood for peace and the peaceful settlement of disputes," he added.

Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said that his country is "against the use of force, against calling into question the integrity of an independent country which is Ukraine, in favor of the resolutions of the United Nations, in favor of the appeal and the position of the Secretary-General of the United Nations."

Brazil said it "accompanies with grave concern the deflagration of military operations" by Russia. It also called for "the immediate suspension of hostilities," according to a statement from the South American country's Foreign Ministry.

Argentina's Casa Rosada condemned "the use of armed forces" and called on "the Russian Federation to cease military actions in Ukraine." Furthermore, Argentina asked those involved to act with "the utmost prudence" to resolve the conflict.

The president of Colombia, Iván Duque, also condemned the Russian military operation.

"The premeditated and unjustified attack that has been perpetrated against the Ukrainian people by Russia... not only attempts against their sovereignty but threatens world peace," he posted on his Twitter account.

Chile’s President-Elect, Gabriel Boric, spoke out against the Russian government's position.

"From Chile, we condemn the invasion of Ukraine, the violation of its sovereignty, and the illegitimate use of force," he tweeted.

Chile’s current president, Sebastián Piñera also stated on his social media:

"(Chile) condemns Russia's armed aggression and its violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. These acts violate international law and threaten innocent lives, peace, and international security," he said.

Ecuadorean President Guillermo Lasso also spoke out against the decision of his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.

"Ecuador believes in multilateralism and is willing to respect and support the decisions taken by the (UN) Security Council," he said.

"Uruguay is a country that is always committed to peace. We reject actions contrary to international law and UN principles," commented Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou.

Marito Abdo, President of Paraguay, also expressed his criticism of the "violation of the principles of sovereignty and international law" and urged Russia "to stop its actions by calling for dialogue for peace and world stability."

Similarly, the government of Guatemala issued a statement expressing its solidarity with the people of Ukraine and called for a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

Bolivia said that it follows "with concern the situation generated in Ukraine and regrets that the lack of dialogue and understanding has caused a further escalation of the conflict."

Russia's Latin American allies remain silent

Until now, the regime of Nicolas Maduro has not officially reacted to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, the Venezuelan dictator has made his support for Vladimir Putin's actions clear.

Similarly, Daniel Ortega on Wednesday welcomed Russia's decision to recognize the independence of Donetsk and Lugansk. He also accused the United States and Europe of wanting to "liquidate" Moscow.

On Wednesday, Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed the "solidarity" of the Cuban regime “with Russia, in the face of the imposition of sanctions and the expansion of NATO towards its borders".

 

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