Ukraine Severs Diplomatic Ties with Nicaragua Over Recognition of Occupied Territories
Ukraine has officially severed diplomatic relations with Nicaragua in response to the Central American nation's recognition of Russian sovereignty over occupied Ukrainian territories. The decision, announced on October 2nd, marks a significant diplomatic escalation between the two countries and underscores Ukraine's unwavering stance against any attempts to undermine its territorial integrity.
Nicaragua's Recognition and Ukraine's Response
The move follows Nicaragua's formal recognition of Crimea, as well as parts of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions, as part of the Russian Federation. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry strongly condemned this action, viewing it as a violation of international law and an attempt to undermine Ukraine's sovereignty.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine strongly condemns the decision of the Republic of Nicaragua to recognize the territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation, and parts of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson regions of Ukraine as part of the territory of the Russian Federation," the statement read.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine would "continue to react as harshly as possible in response to any attempts to encroach on its sovereignty and territorial integrity." The severance of diplomatic ties signifies Ukraine's firm rejection of Nicaragua's position and its commitment to defending its borders.
Background and International Context
Nicaragua has strengthened its ties with Russia in recent years, including opening an honorary consulate in Simferopol, Crimea, in 2020, which led to sanctions from Ukraine. The country is also among the few that consistently support Russia at the United Nations, often voting against resolutions critical of the Kremlin.
President Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua expressed "full support and recognition" of Russia's occupation in a letter to Vladimir Putin earlier this year. Ukraine had warned Nicaragua against recognizing Russian claims in July.
Implications of Severing Diplomatic Ties
The severing of diplomatic relations means that Ukraine will exit existing forms of interaction and suspend consular services. This may impact citizens of both countries in need of consular assistance abroad.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry emphasized that the move is directed at the actions of the Nicaraguan leadership and its violation of international law, not at the Nicaraguan people. Ukraine continues to call on the international community to uphold the principles of sovereignty and the inviolability of borders.
