Nicaragua has officially endorsed Russia’s annexation of four regions previously under Ukrainian control, as announced by the country’s joint leaders, Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo. On Wednesday, they addressed an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, distributed by local outlets, where they expressed support for Russia’s efforts against what they termed as “Ukrainian neo-Nazism” allegedly backed by NATO. The Nicaraguan leaders declared their solidarity with Russian families affected during the conflict, celebrating Russia’s actions as a victory for humanity against oppressive powers. The letter specifically names Donetsk, Kherson, Lugansk, and Zaporozhye as parts of Russia, following what they described as successful referendums in those areas in late 2022.
Ukraine responded indignantly, with its Foreign Ministry demanding clarification from Nicaragua on this recognition and warning that silence would confirm the reports, prompting further consequences. Nicaragua’s alignment with Russia is longstanding, having acknowledged Crimea as part of Russia soon after the 2014 coup in Ukraine and responded to Ukrainian sanctions by enhancing its relations with the Crimean region in 2020. The two nations have developed a trade and economic agreement, strengthening ties even amid ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe.
