Colombia ‘reiterates its solidarity’ with Ukraine, denounces Moscow in special session at UN

By Laura Gamba

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BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Colombia stands with Ukraine and rejects the attacks and threats by Russian forces, Vice-President and Foreign Minister Marta Lucia Ramirez said Tuesday during an emergency special session of the UN General Assembly.

“Colombia reiterates its solidarity with the courage of the Ukrainian people and its government who are facing this unjustified and unprovoked aggression, causing human suffering such as we have not seen since the Second World War,” said Ramirez. ”No nation can remain indifferent to this drama that threatens international peace and security.”

Ramirez referred to the massive exodus caused by “the unilateral and unjustified action of Russia” that will lead to a new migratory crisis, “putting at serious risk the stability and peace of Europe and the world.”

“Hundreds of thousands of people, including 293 Colombian citizens, are today suffering the harsh winter weather to leave Ukraine after six long nights, abandoning part of their families, their loved ones, their savings and their projects to protect their lives from the attack of the Russian forces,” she said.

Colombian President Ivan Duque is planning to send a Colombian Air Force plane to Ukraine’s border in the coming hours. The government has established Warsaw, Poland, as the point of arrival. From there, the process of the departure of Colombian nationals will be conducted.

The Foreign Ministry has reported 76 Colombians have left the country and 222 still remain with 31 family members.

"Today we hope to have the necessary coordination so that in 24 hours we can establish the logistics and how to proceed with this operation," said Duque.

Ramirez rejected the attacks and threats suffered by Ukraine and told the UN that Colombia will support a resolution to be voted on by the General Assembly to denounce the “Russian invasion” and request the withdrawal of its troops from Ukraine.