Mexican President Stands Firm on Russian Military's Participation in Independence Parade

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador defended the inclusion of a Russian military contingent in a recent military parade, despite criticism due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. López Obrador stated that all countries with diplomatic relations were invited, including China, and attributed the outcry to his ongoing conflict with the media. Ukraine's Ambassador to Mexico condemned the participation, calling the Russian soldiers "war criminals." Mexico's government has maintained a policy of neutrality and continues to purchase Russian COVID-19 vaccines, along with Cuba's Abdala vaccine, for use as booster shots.