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Analysts say much of the Western world has united against the Russian attack on Ukraine. But many African, Asian and Middle Eastern countries are trying to maintain a neutral stance on the conflict.
On Thursday, the same day that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was in Kiev for a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia carried out an airstrike, hitting a residential building, killing a Radio Free Europe journalist. Vira Hyrych.
The Russian Defense Ministry said the Russian military had hit the factory buildings of Ukrainian space missile manufacturer Artem.
“It is also symbolic that at the time of the attack, the UN Secretary-General was in Kiev. This is the so-called ‘greeting’ for him, by which Putin bombed our homes, destroying them. “Putin’s goal is not the houses, but the lives of the people.” said the mayor of Kiev, Vitali Klitschko.
Most Western countries are united in condemning the Kremlin’s attack on Ukraine, but the view on the war is more complex in other parts of the world, experts say.
“It is worth mentioning that 141 countries have signed UN resolutions condemning Russia’s aggression. So 75 percent of UN member states have done so. But we know that in Africa and the Middle East, many countries are concerned about the impact of this war on their economies. “There is a fear that the war in Ukraine will lead to huge increases in the price of food, energy and for many leaders outside Europe, these are in fact the most worrying issues.” says Richard Gowan, director of UN affairs at the International Crisis Group.
Experts say the war could have an impact with severe consequences in the face of major food shortages in some parts of Africa.
Russia, meanwhile, is spreading misinformation on the continent, claiming that Ukraine and NATO are the aggressors, and that they threatened Russia, which is not true.
“So if this is presented as an East-West battle, most Africans will not want to get involved. “But if this war is seen as a threat to the United Nations Charter, international law and the rule of law, I think many African governments would oppose what Russia is doing.” says Joseph Siegle of the African Center for Strategic Studies.
Experts say most countries in the Middle East are not taking anyone’s side in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“I think a lot of countries are deciding to go their own way. Oil producing countries that are part of OPEC Plus [Organizata e Vendeve Eksportuese të Naftës], both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, want to maintain good relations with both Russia and the United States. “So they are being very careful.” says Brian Katulis of the Middle East Institute.
Amid Western sanctions on Russia, several countries in Asia, including India and China, are buying more energy from Russia at discounted prices. Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
“India buys a lot of military equipment from Russia. It also has important energy and economic ties to it. But the Indian government has also come closer to the United States in recent years, at a time when it is quite unhappy with US policy in Afghanistan. “In this situation, the Indians do not see a fundamental strategic reason to sever all ties with Moscow.” says Mr. Gowan.
Experts say that if Russia continues to target civilians and commit war crimes, some countries that are now impartial may be forced to change their positions.
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