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Blog | Mexico and the War in Ukraine
The Mexico Institute is pleased to share expert analysis of Mexico’s complex position on the Ukraine crisis and welcomes additional commentary.
The world has felt the political, economic and humanitarian effects of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The international community has rallied countries to create a united front against Russia. Mexico’s reaction to the crisis is particularly important, as it is currently one of the ten non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.
Mexico’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine is mixed. From the onset, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador declared that Mexico would remain neutral in the conflict. Yet, he was quick to criticize the United States for providing aid to Ukraine while allowing investment to Mexico and Central America to stall over bureaucratic issues. Lopez Obrador has urged U.S. leaders to boost investment in Central America to help tackle the root causes of migration. Mexico’s president declined to impose sanctions on Russia and condemned the European Parliament for sending arms to Kyiv. The Mexican government announced it would not send arms to Ukraine, after Ukrainian authorities asked the country’s Senate for military assistance.
However, Mexico has played a proactive role in the United Nations, joining other nations in condemning Russia’s invasion. The U.N. General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a resolution, proposed by France and Mexico, blaming Russia for the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and urging an immediate cease-fire and protection for millions of civilians.
Domestically, the governing party, Morena, appeared to adopt a more pro-Russian stance. About a half-dozen Morena, PT, and PRI members in the House of Deputies created a congressional “Mexico-Russia Friendship Committee”, almost a month after the Russian invasion began.
La agresión rusa a Ucrania puede poner en riesgo la relación de México con los Estados Unidos. Es lo que opinan muchos comentaristas mexicanos, los que son, generalmente, críticos del presidente Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
Sí se puede, y sí se debe, adoptar una postura más asertiva ante la invasión de Rusia. Es lo correcto desde una perspectiva ética, legal y de realpolitik en cuanto a las relaciones de México con su vecino al norte.
El conflicto armado ha puesto de manifiesto cómo, en un mundo globalizado, la economía, el comercio y las finanzas internacionales pueden ejercer una presión muy considerable sobre cualquier país.
A los Estados Unidos y a los países de la Unión Europea, que constituyen la base de la coalición occidental de apoya a Ucrania, la posición mexicana les importa mucho.
La neutralidad ya no está en el menú, si se quieren conservar esas relaciones, y tampoco se puede quedar bien con todos.
