The Associated Press reports that there's been a marked shift of world opinion away from Russia over its brutal invasion of neighboring Ukraine since the start of hostilities in February. Noting that numerous nations spoke out against Russia at the U.N. General Assembly meeting this week, formerly reluctant critics like Brazil, Mexico and India are expressing concern and objection to Russia's continued aggression, joining the vast majority of nations:
"Western officials have repeatedly said that Russia has become isolated since invading Ukraine in February. Until recently, though, that was largely wishful thinking. But on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, much of the international community spoke out against the conflict in a rare display of unity at the often fractured United Nations.
The tide had already appeared to be turning against Russian President Vladimir Putin even before Thursday’s U.N. speeches. Chinese and Indian leaders had been critical of the war at a high-level summit last week in Uzbekistan. And then the U.N. General Assembly disregarded Russia’s objections and voted overwhelmingly to allow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to be the only leader to address the body remotely, instead of requiring him to appear in person." (our emphasis)
That last rebuke to the Russian invaders was not lost on them, as when it came time for Russia's devious Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's chance to address the Security Council while speaker after speaker slammed Russia, he came 90 minutes late and left when he finished his offensive remarks. As Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba quipped, "I notice that Russian diplomats flee almost as quickly as Russian soldiers.”
(photo: Lavrov making like a frightened Russian soldier. Amr Alfiky/Reuters)
