Western countries used the Munich Security Conference to convince other states of the threat of the Russian operation in Ukraine “not only for Europe, but for the whole world,” she said. Financial Times. According to the newspaper, there is no evidence that this message was heard by the global South – the countries of Latin America, Africa and Asia.
According to the FT, high-ranking US and European officials have been trying to convince the rest of the world of the threat they believe Russian actions in Ukraine pose. They also tried to prove that it was Moscow that was to blame for the increase in global inflation. “However, their efforts to present the war in universal terms met with the usual objections,” the newspaper writes.
As examples, the FT cites the speeches of the representatives of Brazil, Colombia, Namibia. As the newspaper notes, some leaders of the countries of the global South have expressed disappointment that the Russian-Ukrainian conflict “takes time, money and attention of the West from other pressing problems.”
Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira called the conflict “a very sad situation” and noted that his country regrets the decision of the Russian Federation to send troops to Ukraine. At the same time, Mr. Vieira said that “a year has passed since the beginning of the conflict.” “We should try to create an opportunity for a settlement. We cannot talk only about the war,” the minister said.
Colombian Vice President Francia Marquez said her country needs Europe’s help to combat the effects of global warming and protect the Amazon forest. “We do not want to continue discussing who will be the winner or loser in the war. We all lost and, in the end, humanity loses everything,” she added.
Prime Minister of Namibia Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila at the conference answered the question why her country abstained from voting on the UN resolution condemning Russia. She noted that Namibia focused on solving the problem rather than shifting the blame. “The money that was used to buy weapons is better used to promote the development of Ukraine, Africa, Asia, the European Union itself, where many people face difficulties,” the prime minister said.
The Munich conference ended the day before, on February 19. More than a hundred presidents, prime ministers and ministers took part in it. The central theme of the event this year, as expected, was the conflict around Ukraine. The Russian delegation was not invited to the event.
About the conference – in the material “Kommersant” “New Munich Speeches”.