Zelensky travels to Argentina to attend presidential inauguration, drum up support for Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to Argentina for the December 10 inauguration of Javier Milei, the newly elected president of the country. At the Buenos Aires ceremony, Zelensky congratulated Milei on his new role.

During the event, Zelensky spoke briefly with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, according to Ukrainian media. Orbán, considered to be Putin’s closest ally in Europe, has previously stated that Ukraine “cannot win on the battlefield” and that it is not ready for E.U. membership.

In what is his first visit to Latin America, Zelensky aims to gain support from the Global South in the war with Russia, reports Reuters. During his time there, Zelensky also held talks with the presidents of Uruguay and Ecuador.

Right before the election, Milei stated he would not pursue closer ties with Russia, Brazil, and China. In response, Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia favors the further development of bilateral relations with Argentina, noting that the Kremlin will focus more on Milei’s statements post-inauguration.