The EU and the Community of Latin American States fail to agree on Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine at a joint summit

At a meeting on July 18, some Latin American countries opposed condemning Russia's actions in a joint communiqué. 

This was stated by Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren in a comment for Reuters.

As a reminder, the first joint summit of these international organisations in three years began on July 17, 2023. It was attended by the leaders of 60 member states of both organisations.

Most likely, it was Nicaragua and Cuba that opposed the condemnation of the full-scale invasion. These countries have good relations with Russia.

"We regret the current situation and are shocked that some members of our government are opposed to any resolution of the Russian-Ukrainian war," van Klaveren said. 

The controversy overshadowed the mood at the summit, which was aimed at strengthening the EU's relations with Latin America for the first time in recent years.

Photo: Emmanuel Dunand | Pool viaReuters