The kremlin’s Pseudo-Diplomacy: Nicaragua Helps Legalize Occupation

russia continues to promote the diplomatic legitimization of temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories – this time through Nicaragua. The so-called “government of the DPR” is preparing to sign a trade and economic cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nicaragua. Formally, this is for the “development of cooperation between economic entities”. In reality, it is to consolidate russia’s presence in the Donbas through international channels.

The signing of the document is scheduled for September 24–27, 2025, during a Nicaraguan delegation’s visit to moscow. The agreement is part of the kremlin’s broader campaign – a “parade of diplomacy of the occupied regions” – which has three objectives:

• to create the illusion of international support for the occupation;

• to pave the way for circumventing sanctions and exchanging security services;

• to strengthen russia’s influence in Central America.

Nicaragua has already taken a step in this direction – on July 31, 2025, the country announced its recognition of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions’ becoming part of the rf. This is a direct violation of international law, in particular of the principle of non-recognition of annexations and UN General Assembly resolutions.

Crimea, Sevastopol, as well as the temporarily occupied territories of the Donbas, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, are and remain part of the Ukrainian state. Any “agreements” with pseudo-institutions in these territories are legally null and void.

Nicaragua’s participation in such processes may have consequences: organizations and officials involved in legalizing the occupation risk falling under international sanctions.