In a world where alliances are shifting fast and geopolitical lines are being redrawn, Nicaragua just made a big move that’s bound to stir up global tension.
The Central American nation has now officially recognized four disputed regions—Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia—as legitimate parts of Russia.
A Letter of Support Sent Straight to the Kremlin
The announcement came in the form of a letter addressed to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Nicaragua’s co-leaders, President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo, didn’t mince words.
Published on the El 19 Digital government platform, the letter openly declared full support for Russia’s claim over these territories.
“On behalf of the government and people of Nicaragua,” they wrote, “we express our full support and recognition of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia as integral parts of the Russian Federation.”
Backing Russia Against the West
The letter went beyond just recognition—it voiced strong alignment with Russia’s political and military stance.
Ortega and Murillo reiterated their belief in Russia’s struggle against what they called “Ukrainian neo-Nazism supported by NATO,” echoing Kremlin narratives often dismissed by the West.
They also offered condolences to Russian families affected by the war and described Russia’s fight as a broader battle for global peace.
“We are confident in Russia’s victory over these forces of evil, over hegemonic powers, over fascism,” the Nicaraguan leaders stated.
“Russia’s victory is humanity’s victory.”
Another Chapter in a Longstanding Alliance
Nicaragua has long positioned itself as one of Russia’s closest allies in the Western Hemisphere.
This move, though dramatic, isn’t entirely unexpected.
The two countries have maintained close ties dating back to the Cold War and often find themselves on the same side in international forums.
Nicaragua regularly votes against Western-backed resolutions critical of Russia, especially when it comes to Ukraine.
A Controversial Annexation Still Rejected by the West
The regions in question—Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia—were claimed by Russia in 2022 following widely disputed referendums.
These votes, held between September 23 and 27, were dismissed by Ukraine and most of the international community as illegitimate and conducted under duress.
While Moscow insists the votes reflected the will of local residents, Kyiv and its allies say they violated both Ukrainian sovereignty and international law.
Standing With Moscow in a Divided World
Nicaragua now joins a very short list of countries that have openly recognized Russia’s controversial annexations.
Its decision adds fuel to Moscow’s argument for a “multipolar” world—a global structure where U.S. and European influence no longer dominates and smaller nations assert their independence in choosing sides.
Ortega and Murillo’s public declaration isn’t just symbolic—it’s a clear political message.
And it gives the Kremlin a fresh example to point to when arguing that support for its actions stretches beyond its immediate allies.
