NEWS

Zelensky emphasizes ‘fight for freedom’ during Argentina visit

Agence France-Presse · Dec 11, 2023, 12:27 AM

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) talks with Chilean President Gabriel Boric during the inauguration ceremony of Argentina's President-elect Javier Milei, in Buenos Aires on 10 December 2023. Libertarian economist Javier Milei was sworn in Sunday as Argentina's president, after a resounding election victory fueled by fury over the country's economic crisis. "I swear to God and country... to carry out with loyalty and patriotism the position of President of the Argentine Nation," he said as he took the oath of office, before outgoing President Alberto Fernandez placed the presidental sash over his shoulders. (Photo by ALEJANDRO PAGNI / AFP)

President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday discussed the Russian invasion of Ukraine with the leaders of Ecuador, Paraguay, and Uruguay during a trip to Buenos Aires to attend the inauguration of President Javier Milei.

Both Moscow and Kyiv have courted Latin American countries, which have been divided over their response to the Ukraine war.

"The support and strong united voice of Latin American countries that stand with the people of Ukraine in our fight for freedom and democracy is very important for us," Zelensky said on X, formerly Twitter, after the meetings.

Zelensky was in Buenos Aires for the swearing-in ceremony of Argentina's Javier Milei, an event that brought together many world leaders.

The Ukrainian leader said he was grateful to Uruguay's Luis Lacalle Pou and his nation "for supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

He praised Uruguay's participation in the third foreign advisors meeting on the implementation of Ukraine's formula for peace and invited Ecuador and Paraguay to join.

Zelensky spoke with Paraguay's leader Santiago Pena and "thanked him for its strong support of Ukraine within international organizations."

In talks with Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa, Zelensky also discussed the possibilities "to expand bilateral cooperation."

All three South American countries had voted in favor of a February 2023 UN resolution calling to end the war in Ukraine.