Argentina abstained from a UN vote urging Russia to withdraw from Ukraine, a dramatic shift for President Javier Milei, who previously supported Kyiv. This decision aligns Argentina with BRICS nations despite Milei’s earlier rejection of this bloc. Political leaders in Argentina condemned the abstention, highlighting a notable reversal amid ongoing IMF negotiations.

Argentina’s recent decision to abstain from a United Nations vote on an EU resolution calling for Russia’s withdrawal from Ukraine has drawn significant criticism. This move represents a notable shift for President Javier Milei, who had previously shown strong support for Kyiv. The abstention aligns Argentina more closely with the BRICS nations, despite Milei having earlier rejected this bloc due to concerns over foreign policy consistency.

The UN Security Council resolution, which passed on February 24, garnered 93 votes in favor, 18 against, and 65 abstentions, with Argentina, the United States, and Israel among the abstainers. In an unprecedented situation, the United States found itself voting alongside countries such as North Korea and Belarus against the resolution, marking it as one of the least backed UN condemnations of the war to date.

Argentinian political figures promptly criticized the abstention. Martín Lousteau, Chairman of the Radical Civic Union, described the action as “regrettable,” while former Vice President Julio Cobos called it “shameful.” Former Culture Minister Pablo Avelluto expressed his discontent on social media with the message, “With Ukraine, against Milei.” Milei’s earlier support for Ukraine was noted, particularly following meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Previously, Milei had been a vocal supporter of Ukraine, wearing a Ukrainian flag pin in March 2022 to symbolize solidarity against Russian aggression. He condemned Argentina’s past government, led by Alberto Fernandez, for its perceived weak response to the invasion, accusing it of complicity with authoritarian regimes. Recently, however, Milei’s diplomatic stance appears to have shifted, potentially influenced by negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for essential financial support.

Milei’s recent pivot in foreign policy indicates a possible alignment with former President Trump’s softer stance towards Russia. This unexpected change raises questions about geopolitical strategy amid ongoing negotiations with the IMF, suggesting that Milei’s approach may be a calculated attempt to secure financial assistance.

Argentina’s decision to abstain from the UN resolution on Russia’s actions in Ukraine marks a dramatic shift in its foreign policy under President Javier Milei. The backlash from domestic political figures highlights the contentiousness of this decision, which contrasts sharply with Milei’s prior support for Ukraine and his public denunciations of Russia. This shift may also reflect strategic maneuvering related to negotiations with the IMF, showcasing the complexities of Argentina’s international relations.

Original Source: www.bne.eu

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