Chilean president urges Latin American leaders to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Chilean President Gabriel Boric urged Latin American leaders on Tuesday in Brussels to recognize Russia's aggression against Ukraine above "the complacencies that can be had with a president" and warned that "tomorrow" any of them could find themselves in the same situation.

Boric distanced himself from Nicaragua, which decided not to support a final statement condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine during the summit meeting of the 27 EU and 33 Latin American and Caribbean states in Brussels. Boric also criticized neighboring countries that have taken a bland position on the invasion.

“I think it is important that from Latin America we say it clearly: what is happening in Ukraine is an unacceptable war of imperial aggression in which international law is violated. I understand that the joint declaration is blocked because some do not want to say that it is a war against Ukraine,” said Boric.

Although only Nicaragua refused to join 59 other nations in a common criticism of the war, some Latin American countries have had a neutral approach to the war in Ukraine.

Brazilian President Lula da Silva has gone to the extent of blaming Ukraine for the war and has said that Western military aid has fueled the conflict. Colombia’s leftwing President Gustavo Petro has taken a neutral stance, as has Argentina.

Boric’s strong support of Ukraine clashes with some of his neighbors.

“Today it is Ukraine but tomorrow it could be any of us. In this we cannot doubt for complacency that can be had at one time or another with any leader. It doesn't matter if the president of a country likes or dislikes it, the important thing is respect for international law,” he said.

Although all are leftist leaders, they have taken radically different positions on various issues such as the energy transition and trade.

The reluctance from Latin America to condemn Russia caused several European leaders to speak out during the CELAC summit that ended on Tuesday.

“It would be a shame if we cannot say that there is Russian aggression in Ukraine. It is a fact, and I am not here to rewrite history," said Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel.​​​​​​​