Nicaragua Recognizes Russia’s Newly Incorporated Regions
Nicaragua’s co-presidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo have announced their full support for Russia’s recognition of four formerly Ukrainian regions—Donetsk, Kherson, Lugansk, and Zaporozhye—as part of Russia. The decision follows referendums in late 2022 that were widely supported by the local population, and Nicaragua has a history of backing Russia in its conflict with Ukraine, including the earlier recognition of Crimea after the 2014 Maidan coup.
The announcement was made in an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, circulated by local media, with the co-presidents stating, “We recognize and firmly support the heroic battle Russia is waging against Ukrainian neo-Nazism which is supported by NATO.” The letter also emphasized Nicaragua’s solidarity with Russian families who have lost loved ones in the conflict, asserting that Russia’s victory represents a victory for humanity.
This move has drawn strong criticism from Ukraine, which has demanded that Nicaragua clarify its position, either confirming or denying its recognition of the territories. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry warned that the absence of a clear response would be seen as tacit approval, potentially escalating tensions between the two nations.
Nicaragua has long been a strategic ally of Russia in its standoff with Ukraine. Managua recognized Crimea’s incorporation into Russia shortly after the 2014 Maidan coup in Kiev. In 2020, Ukraine imposed sanctions on Nicaragua for opening a consulate in Crimea, but the country continued its cooperation with Russia, culminating in a trade and economic partnership deal with the peninsula in 2021. This partnership demonstrates Nicaragua’s unwavering support for Russia’s position in the ongoing conflict.
The announcement highlights the deepening geopolitical divide between Nicaragua and Ukraine, as well as the broader international community’s polarized views on the conflict. As tensions continue, the implications of Nicaragua’s recognition for international relations remain a subject of global interest.