Mexican Leader Justifies Russian Military’s Role in National Independence Parade

On Monday, the Mexican President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, justified the involvement of a Russian military unit in the weekend’s Independence Day parade. The Russian delegation’s participation drew criticism in light of Russia’s incursion into Ukraine. While Mexico has denounced the invasion, it maintains a policy of neutrality and has opted not to impose sanctions. Additionally, the country continues to import COVID-19 vaccines from Russia, produced in 2020.

President López Obrador pointed out that a Chinese military delegation also took part in the parade and emphasized that all nations with which Mexico has diplomatic ties were extended an invitation.

The President conceded that the situation had turned into a “controversy,” attributing it to an ongoing feud with the media, which he perceives as antagonistic toward him.

“The inclusion of the Chinese military did not elicit as much uproar,” remarked López Obrador. He highlighted that Russian military involvement in such parades is not new, though previous instances did not occur during active military invasions by Russia.

“All countries maintaining diplomatic relationships with Mexico were invited,” he reiterated.

Ukraine’s Ambassador to Mexico, Oksana Dramaretska, however, took to social media to express her dissent. She stated, “The civic-military parade in Mexico City has been tarnished by the inclusion of a Russian unit; the individuals in this regiment are tainted by acts of war.”

Despite the international tension surrounding Russia’s actions, some members of López Obrador’s Morena party have publicly expressed a favorable view of Russia. The President himself has been critical of the United States for its weapons supply to Ukraine.

Moreover, the Mexican government continues to purchase Russia’s Sputnik COVID vaccine, with plans to administer it as a booster shot later this year. It will be used alongside Cuba’s Abdala vaccine.

Questions have arisen among experts regarding the efficacy of these vaccines, including Mexico’s own Patria vaccine, when employed as boosters against new variants. This skepticism is rooted in the fact that these vaccines were formulated in 2020 to tackle strains of the virus prevalent at that time.

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More about Mexican Independence Parade Russian Military Involvement

• Mexican President Defends Inclusion of Russian Military in Independence Parade
• Mexico’s Stance on Ukraine Conflict and Russian Sanctions
• Criticism Surrounding Mexico’s Independence Day Parade
• López Obrador’s Feud with the Media
• Mexico’s COVID-19 Vaccine Strategy and Russian Involvement
• Expert Opinions on Efficacy of 2020-Developed COVID-19 Vaccines as Boosters
• Morena Party’s Views on Russia