Zelensky meets new President Javier Milei and Ukrainian community in Argentina

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as part of the events commemorating the inauguration of Argentina's newly elected president, Javier Milei, held a meeting with him in Buenos Aires. 

During the meeting, they discussed the preparation for the Ukraine-Latin America summit. Zelensky also met with representatives of the Ukrainian community in Argentina, Rubryka reports, referring to the Office of the President.

Zelensky expressed gratitude to Javier Milei for the invitation and congratulated him on officially assuming the position of Argentina's president. 

"You know, in times of war, it's hard to find time and fly halfway around the globe. But we've heard your signals in parliament and your personal energy supporting Ukraine, our people who are fighting against Russian aggression," said Zelensky.

The Ukrainian president conveyed his belief in a powerful joint future for Ukraine and Argentina, highlighting the Argentinian people's deep respect for freedom, a value currently defended by Ukrainians. Zelensky briefed President Milei on the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula.

Zelensky invited Argentina to participate in the fourth national security and foreign policy advisor meeting on the Ukrainian Peace Formula in January 2024 and in preparing the inaugural Global Peace Summit.

The leaders also discussed the upcoming Ukraine-Latin America summit, aiming to open a new chapter in Ukraine's relations with the region. Attention was given to the development of bilateral cooperation in various fields.

Zelensky highlighted the warm attitude towards Ukraine in Argentina and thanked President Milei for clear signals of support for Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and freedom. 

"I believe that the position of the new President of Argentina and his team will remain consistently strong. Today, it is based on supporting Ukraine, our sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the support for freedom," said Zelensky.

He expressed hope that Argentina's clear stance would influence overall political support for Ukraine in the region, impacting support for Ukrainian resolutions at the UN.

"It's important that such a powerful voice from Latin America, like the voice of Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Ecuador — that all of them are on our side. And I'm glad that it is so," said the president.

Zelensky also thanked the Ukrainian community in Argentina for preserving love for Ukraine, Ukrainian identity, and culture over the decades.

The president also stressed that amid the full-scale Russian war, Ukraine needs consolidation and the preservation of political support from the world's nations:

"We need unity. Representatives from Uruguay and Paraguay are here. We must ensure that our communities in Latin America are united. The presence of our nation in any state is essential, and as an integral part of society, it always influences the country's politics."

"So, I want to ask you to find additional tools to unite Ukrainians in Latin America until we end the war and emerge victorious," said Zelensky.

Moreover, the president urged representatives of the Ukrainian community to establish economic and business ties both among themselves and with Ukraine.

"I am very pleased to be here today as your guest. Thank you for your support and your work. I know that you have been providing financial, humanitarian, and medical assistance. I know that you have hosted families and children, and some have helped with medicines for the wounded. For all of this, a big thank you to you," said Zelensky.

The meeting included various Ukrainian organizations and representatives from different cities, underlining the historical presence of Ukrainians in Argentina since August 27, 1897. Currently, an estimated 350,000 to 500,000 ethnic Ukrainians reside in Argentina.

Amid the full-scale Russian invasion, the Ukrainian community in Argentina actively participates in collecting and delivering humanitarian aid to Ukraine. They organize protests at the Russian Embassy in Buenos Aires, protest concerts featuring Russian performers in the country, and engage in thematic round tables, conferences, and discussions on Ukrainian topics.

As reported, President Zelensky visited Argentina on December 10 and attended the inauguration of President Javier Milei. During his visit, Zelensky had several significant meetings for Ukraine.