Sanctions after Ukraine war erode Russia's grip on Latin America
Photo: Sanctions against Russia (Getty Images)
International sanctions imposed after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine have significantly reduced Russia’s geopolitical influence in Latin America, according to the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine.
The initiative known as the Primakov Doctrine, which envisioned active expansion of cooperation with countries of the region, is now reduced mainly to formal diplomatic gestures. These include exchange of delegations, student programs, and meetings at a secondary level.
Russia’s main partners remain Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela — countries that had long-standing ties with the Soviet Union.
Sharp reduction in military-technical cooperation
Sanctions pressure has led to a noticeable decline in the volumes of military-technical cooperation. Russia had long been a supplier of Soviet-style weapons in the region, but the war in Ukraine has substantially depleted its stockpiles.
In recent years, no major contracts for arms supplies have been recorded. Moreover, several Latin American countries are now considering options for modernizing or replacing outdated systems and are increasingly negotiating with the United States.
Strengthening of the role of Iran and China
Against the backdrop of Russia’s weakening positions, other international players are increasing their presence in the region. Iran is actively ramping up its arms supplies, while China is focusing on scientific and military cooperation, as well as strategic partnerships.
Thus, Moscow’s former influence in Latin America is rapidly decreasing, and its place is being gradually taken by other powers offering the region's states new models of cooperation.
Trump and Latin America
The United States is revoking the visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro after his participation in protests in New York and his calls for American military personnel to ignore orders from US President Donald Trump.
On September 27, we wrote that US military forces are developing operations to strike drug traffickers in Venezuela. The attacks may begin within a few weeks.
In August, President Trump signed a secret directive allowing direct military operations against Latin American drug cartels that had been designated as foreign terrorist organizations.
