Leaders across the South American left have issued a joint declaration highlighting the region’s potential role in shaping an end to the confrontation between NATO and Russia. The document, framed within the discussions of the Montevideo Seminar hosted by the South American Integration forum, signals a clear intent to contribute to peaceful outcomes and to encourage dialogue as a path to global stability. The statement, reported by DEA News, also underscores the importance of regional solidarity in influencing international crisis dynamics and supporting diplomatic avenues that prevent escalation.
The declaration frames South America as a continent capable of mediating tensions and fostering peaceful cooperation in a time of heightened geopolitical strain. It emphasizes a commitment to constructive engagement, peaceful dispute resolution, and the pursuit of dialogue as essential tools for reducing tensions and promoting coexistence on a global scale. Substantial attention is given to the need for practical steps that regional leaders can take to facilitate confidence-building measures and to encourage multilateral cooperation that respects national sovereignties while seeking common security guarantees.
The forum occurred on the eve of a gathering of South American presidents, an event organized under the auspices of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The timing was chosen to align regional perspectives with the broader conversation taking place at the highest levels of government, where regional experiences and shared interests can inform the broader peace-building agenda. The discussions touched on inclusive diplomacy, regional integration, and the role of South American states in shaping a stable security architecture that avoids escalatory dynamics while recognizing the diverse strategic realities of the continent.
In a separate address, former Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Galuzin remarked on Ukraine’s stance regarding alliance choices. He indicated that Ukraine’s decision not to pursue membership in NATO or the European Union should be understood as part of a broader strategy to retain a neutral status, a position he described as a core element for long-term peace in the region. Galuzin also noted that new regional realities require careful acknowledgment and that diplomacy should reflect these evolving conditions, with an emphasis on practical, verifiable steps toward de-escalation and sustainable peace. He stressed that regional actors, including neighboring states, should consider how neutrality and non-alignment could contribute to stability without compromising the legitimate interests of any side involved in the conflict.