Nicaragua Backs Russia’s Annexation of Four Ukrainian Regions

• Jul 31, 2025

Nicaragua has officially recognized Russia’s annexation of four regions in Ukraine, becoming one of the few countries to publicly endorse Moscow’s controversial move. The announcement aligns the Central American nation even more closely with the Kremlin, amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

In a statement addressed to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Nicaraguan co-presidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo declared their full support for Russia’s claim over the Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhia regions. The message, published on state-run platform El 19 Digital, referred to the territories as “an integral part of the Russian Federation” and expressed solidarity with Russian families and Moscow’s stated goals in its “special military operation.”

Russia formally annexed the four Ukrainian regions in September 2022, drawing international condemnation and accusations of violating international law. Despite this, Nicaragua’s endorsement reinforces its role as one of Russia’s closest allies in Latin America.

The relationship between the two countries goes far beyond diplomacy. Nicaragua has become a key base for Russian intelligence operations in the region. Reports from Florida International University point to Nicaragua’s Cerro Mokorón facility as a Russian-run intelligence hub. The installation is equipped with SORM-3 surveillance systems, which allow for broad communications monitoring and were reportedly used to suppress dissent during Nicaragua’s 2018 protests—an uprising that left over 300 people dead, according to the UN.

Military cooperation between Russia and Nicaragua is also expanding. The two countries are finalizing a wide-ranging security agreement expected to be signed by the end of the year. The deal covers 16 areas of collaboration, including tactical training, intelligence sharing, and cybersecurity. Nicaraguan officials say the plan will include specialist training programs and joint efforts on information security.

The growing alliance also includes media collaboration. Russian state-owned broadcaster RT has partnered with Nicaraguan state media, increasing Moscow’s influence in regional information flows. Vice President Murillo previously voiced support for RT’s leadership after U.S. sanctions were imposed on Russian media.

For President Ortega—who ruled Nicaragua during the Cold War and returned to power in 2007—the deepening alliance with Russia echoes his earlier ties to the Soviet Union. Since his return, Ortega has removed presidential term limits, jailed opposition leaders, and silenced civil society groups.

Observers warn that Nicaragua is now serving as a strategic platform for Russia, China, and Iran to expand influence in Latin America. Opposition leader Felix Maradiaga has described Nicaragua as an “aircraft carrier” for authoritarian regimes, posing a threat to democracy throughout the region.

Nicaragua’s recognition of Russia’s territorial claims in Ukraine is a clear signal of its commitment to a deeper alliance—military, technological, and ideological—with Moscow.