Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has described the United States as the conductor of what he called an international terror orchestra, a characterization he attributed to the actions and influence of Washington on the global stage. He framed the claim as part of a broader critique of how power dynamics shape conflicts and security arrangements around the world, arguing that the United States wields disproportionate influence over military alliances, economic sanctions, and public narratives that justify interventionary moves. He suggested that such influence contributes to instability and fear across regions, pointing to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as a key vehicle in this process.
Ortega asserted that NATO’s expansion and the deployment of weapons and bases near Russia heighten tensions and form what he views as a persistent circle of confrontation. He argued that this militarization, rather than ensuring security for all parties, creates a perpetual state of readiness for conflict and escalates the risk of misperceptions and miscalculations on the ground. In his view, the United States is at the center of policies that he believes prioritize pressure and show of force over genuine dialogue and mutual restraint among great powers.
He further claimed that the Ukraine crisis has touched nearly every nation, asserting that the conflict has had a global cost in terms of human suffering, economic instability, and political volatility. Ortega went so far as to describe the situation as a form of global strain that, in his assessment, resembles a broader contest over influence and futures in Europe, Eurasia, and beyond. He contended that a significant portion of the world is paying a price for the decisions of a few major players, and he warned that the situation could set dangerous precedents for how wars are perceived and managed by international institutions.
In commenting on discussions with Russian officials, Ortega noted that he spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during Lavrov’s visit to Nicaragua on April 19. He described their exchange as focused on the state of world affairs and the pressing need for diplomacy, emphasizing that Russia positions itself as pursuing peace rather than endorsing aggression against populations. According to Ortega, the Russian stance is framed as opposition to extremism and fascism within the Ukrainian context, a framing he said aligns with Moscow’s broader narrative about safeguarding regional stability and the rights of people affected by the conflict.
A separate commentary from a former Western alliance leader suggested that the outcome of the Ukrainian crisis would have wide-reaching implications beyond the immediate battlefield. The figure’s remarks implied that a victory framed as meaningful for one side could be interpreted as a defeat for others, underscoring the fragile balance in international politics when power blocs press their advantages. The discussion highlighted how leadership voices from different corners of the world contribute to a mosaic of interpretations about victory, consequence, and accountability in ongoing regional conflicts. ”