Fact Check: Javier Milei betrayed Ukraine and is making alliance with the Russians.

Claim Analysis: "Javier Milei betrayed Ukraine and is making alliance with the Russians."

1. Introduction

The claim that Javier Milei, the President of Argentina, has "betrayed Ukraine" and is forming an alliance with Russia has emerged amidst a complex backdrop of shifting foreign policy. This assertion raises questions about Milei's recent actions and statements regarding Ukraine and Russia, particularly following his election victory in late 2023.

2. What We Know

Javier Milei was elected as Argentina's president in December 2023, initially presenting a pro-Western stance and expressing support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Notably, during his inauguration, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended, signaling a strong bilateral relationship at that time 510. However, in February 2025, Milei's administration abstained from a UN vote urging Russia to withdraw from Ukraine, which drew criticism from various quarters, suggesting a shift in his foreign policy stance 37.

Despite this abstention, Milei has publicly stated his commitment to supporting Ukraine, even offering "full support" during a speech at a peace summit in Switzerland 8. He has also been characterized as having a "Trumpian twist" in his foreign policy, which some interpret as a potential pivot towards Russia 6.

3. Analysis

The sources available present a mixed picture of Milei's foreign policy direction.

• Supporting Sources:

  • The Voice of America reports that Milei has maintained a pro-Ukrainian stance since the beginning of the conflict, highlighting his attendance at Zelenskyy's inauguration and his expressed support for Ukraine 5. This suggests that his initial foreign policy was aligned with Western interests.
  • The Buenos Aires Herald noted that Milei offered "full support" to Ukraine during a recent peace summit, reinforcing the notion that he has not entirely abandoned Ukraine in his foreign policy 8.

• Contradicting Sources:

  • Articles from Mercopress and IntelliNews indicate that Milei's abstention from the UN vote was seen as a significant departure from his earlier support for Ukraine, leading to accusations of betrayal 37. This shift has been interpreted by some analysts as aligning more closely with Russia, especially given the geopolitical context.
  • The KyivPost and other sources have noted that while Milei's rhetoric may still support Ukraine, his actions—such as the UN abstention—could be interpreted as a pragmatic shift towards a more neutral or even pro-Russian stance 10.

Source Reliability and Bias

• Reuters is generally considered a reliable news source, providing factual reporting without overt bias 1.
• Voice of America is a U.S. government-funded entity that aims to provide accurate information, but it may carry an inherent pro-Western bias 5.
• Mercopress and IntelliNews provide regional insights but may reflect local biases or political agendas, particularly in their interpretations of Milei's actions 37.
• The Buenos Aires Herald is a respected source in Argentina, though it may have its own editorial slant based on local political dynamics 8.

4. Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that Javier Milei has "betrayed Ukraine" and is forming an alliance with Russia is partially true. Evidence indicates that while Milei initially supported Ukraine, as evidenced by his attendance at Zelenskyy's inauguration and his statements of support at international forums 58, his recent abstention from a UN vote condemning Russia's actions suggests a significant shift in his foreign policy approach 37. This abstention has led to accusations of betrayal and has raised concerns about a potential pivot towards Russia, although Milei continues to publicly affirm his support for Ukraine.

The complexity of international relations and the nuances of Milei's statements and actions contribute to the uncertainty surrounding this claim. It is important to recognize that while there are indications of a shift in policy, the full implications of Milei's foreign policy remain unclear, particularly without further insight into his administration's internal discussions and strategic objectives.

Readers should be aware of the limitations in the available evidence and the potential biases of the sources cited. As such, it is advisable to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives when assessing claims related to international politics.

5. Sources

1. Kremlin notes Argentina President-elect Milei's comments on Russia, but ... - Reuters
2. President had a phone call with President-elect of Argentina - Ukrainian President's Office
3. Milei criticized for U-turn in foreign policy regarding Ukraine - Mercopress
4. Argentina becomes Ukraine's ally - What to expect from Javier Milei ... - RBC Ukraine
5. Argentina's Milei supports Ukraine in its war with Russia - Voice of America
6. Zelenskyy left in the cold as Milei takes Trumpian twist - Buenos Aires Times
7. Argentina breaks with Ukraine support at UN, echoing ... - IntelliNews
8. Milei offers Ukraine 'full support' in peace summit speech - Buenos Aires Herald
9. Argentina and the Ukraine War: Between pragmatism and ... - Wiley Online Library
10. Zelensky Hails Argentina's 'New Beginning' at Milei ... - KyivPost

This analysis highlights the complexities of Javier Milei's foreign policy and the varying interpretations of his actions regarding Ukraine and Russia. Further information about his administration's internal discussions and strategic objectives would be beneficial to fully understand the implications of his foreign policy shifts.