What a mess! Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has exposed the lukewarmness and ambiguity of several Latin American leaders, including former Brazilian President Lula da Silva. And that is that at times like these, when freedom and democracy are at stake, we need brave and dedicated leaders, not politicians who are afraid to take a firm stand.

What happened to the leaders who boast so much that they are the defenders of justice and freedom? Where are the impassioned speeches that so excited the masses at election time? It seems that in moments of crisis, these leaders simply disappear, hiding behind lukewarmness and ambiguity.

Lula da Silva, for example, was particularly lukewarm in his stance on the Russian invasion. Despite being a leader lauded for his fight for human rights and social justice, he has proposed a so-called peace plan that is off to a completely bad start, putting the aggressor Russians on an equal footing with the occupied Ukrainians, and has been incredibly quiet in the face of this crisis. Does his commitment to human rights become relative when it comes to his friend Vladimir Putin? Or does his concern for social justice not include the defense of the most vulnerable countries? It is true that his peace proposal, which is not peaceful at all, has fallen like an ice cube in the international community and his tour of Portugal and Spain will not get him out of the freezer. Oh, Lula! Who told you that international politics is child’s play?

Ecuador was considering sending helicopters to Ukraine and replacing them with the US, according to leaked documents published by the NYTimes

But the thing is that Lula’s case is not unique. Latin American leaders veer between delirium and megalomania and all they do is ridicule. This happened with Mexican President López Obrador, the first to present the supposed peace plan for Ukraine in an embrace with the Russian dictator.

In general, Latin American leaders were equally lukewarm in their attitude toward the Russian invasion. What about Alberto Fernández (the prince of inconsistency) or Gustavo Petro? Where are the calls to action and strong statements in defense of human rights and democracy? These leaders seem to have lost their voice in times of need.

Ukraine evacuates workers from the town of Avdiivka, following the advance of Russian forces

Russia will investigate the judges of the International Criminal Court after the warrant against Vladimir Putin because of the conflict with Ukraine

Of course, Nicolás Maduro from Venezuela and Daniel Ortega from Nicaragua sided with the Russian dictator and support his war of conquest in Ukraine, isn’t the discourse anti-imperialist? We already know that, actually, no. The attitude is more of a childish anti-Americanism that ensnares much of the left.

At times like these, we cannot afford lukewarm and ambivalent leaders. We need strong, committed and courageous leaders, ready to stand up for democracy and freedom anytime and anywhere. Lukewarmness and ambiguity only lead us to defeat.

So, leaders of Latin America, if you want to be remembered as true defenders of freedom and justice, you must take a firm stand in defense of Ukraine and against the Russian invasion. The world is watching and waiting for your leadership. Will they be lukewarm or brave? (OR)