On Friday the leaders of Russia and China, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping spoke on the phone about the current situation in Ukraine. The two versions of official news agencies follow. The Russian version said the two leaders enhanced practical bilateral cooperation and closely coordinate actions in support of each other.
The escalation of the conflict between Russia and the West regarding Ukraine and two self-declared independent provinces, with military support from Moscow, has exposed different reactions in Latin America, as well as President Vladimir Putin's influence in the region.
Brazilian media Thursday highlighted the fact that President Jair Bolsonaro made no comments regarding the Ukrainian crisis during two public appearances, although his Government did express its “concern” through the Foreign Ministry.
Former two-time President of Uruguay Julio María Sanguinetti (1985-1990 / 1995-2000) Thursday said Russia's actions in Ukraine look “a lot like Hitler's initial invasions.” The Colorado Party leader added that there was “no possible historical justification to relativize the seriousness of the episode.”
By Gwynne Dyer – Now that Russian President Vladimir Putin has invaded Ukraine and foreclosed his and everybody else’s other options, certain aspects of the near future have become clear. So have some aspects of the long run. Here are ten predictions, made with varying degrees of confidence.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Thursday announced the end of the Ukraine-Russia diplomatic relations. He also confirmed 40 soldiers and 10 civilians had been killed during Russia's multi-front “treacherous” onslaught.
Russian President Vladimir Putin Wednesday announced the beginning of a military operation in Ukraine at the request of Donetsk and Lugansk authorities who sought his assistance to repel Kiev’s attempt to recover the two provinces which have declared their independence.
While Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was in Moscow visiting his close friend and admired populist 'strong man' Vladimir Putin, in the midst of the escalating situation in Ukraine, and brushing off critics saying Brazil is nobody's a puppet, his agriculture minister was in a more strategic mission, --in another outcast country--, but crucial for the booming farming sector.
Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss wrote for The Times a column stating the UK stands with Ukraine in defense of its right to decide its future.
The Government of Uruguay has condemned the latest event in eastern Ukraine because they “put regional stability at risk” in addition to violating “the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.”