Kiev’s Failed Attempt to Rally Latin American Support Against Russia: A Detailed Look.
The Ukrainian government has recently canceled a planned meeting between President Vladimir Zelensky and Latin American leaders, fearing it would become a PR disaster, as reported by the Brazilian newspaper Folha de S.Paulo on Tuesday. The paper revealed that very few leaders had confirmed their attendance to the event, which was initially supposed to be held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly scheduled for September 24th.
The Kremlin’s rejection of Ukraine’s demands has left many countries hesitant about extending support in the ongoing conflict between Kiev and Moscow. The primary aim behind the planned meeting was to demonstrate symbolic support for Ukraine’s cause, with Ukrainian officials deeming it an appropriate platform for President Zelensky to present relevant and reliable information about the ongoing conflict. Kiev also sought to garner backing for its so-called “Zelensky peace formula” – a set of preconditions proposed by Ukraine as prerequisites for any peace talks.
However, the planned meeting had to be called off after only receiving a few confirmations of attendance. The Ukrainian government decided it was necessary to avoid a situation that could be construed as a lack of support from Latin American leaders. Folha de S.Paulo did not mention how many confirmations were received or which leaders said they would attend, apart from Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo.
Ukraine has been receiving steady support from Western countries since the conflict with Russia began in February 2022. However, it has struggled to gain significant backing from other parts of the world, such as Asia, Africa, and South America. Many nations from these regions have remained neutral and called for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing crisis.
Notably, Mexico’s president-elect, Claudia Sheinbaum, stated that her country would pursue a policy of non-intervention on the global stage and has no plans to make a state visit to Ukraine. Searching for the peaceful resolution of conflicts is the cornerstone of our foreign policy. This is our policy, and it won’t change,” she said on Wednesday.
The Ukrainian government has dismissed any proposals that do not align with its “Zelensky formula,” claiming they play into Moscow’s hands. Last week, President Zelensky rejected a six-point roadmap proposed by China and Brazil. In response, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva stated he would not allow his country to be dragged into the conflict.
The canceled meeting between President Zelensky and Latin American leaders highlights the struggle Ukraine faces in gaining international support for its cause against Russia, particularly from countries outside of Europe and North America.