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Subtle support for Ukraine
“How to survive a superpower split” (April 15th) highlighted how the 25 non-aligned “transactional” countries you listed are using diplomacy, trade and investment to play more diverse global roles. Yet the behaviour of the T25 also has some commonality with other parts of the world. You say that they have “sat on the fence” on the Ukraine war. It is true that this group has not sanctioned Russia or supplied military equipment to Ukraine. They have no record of ever imposing sanctions except when mandated by the UN. However, 19 out of the T25 supported the UN General Assembly resolution of February 23rd 2023 calling on Russia to withdraw from Ukraine. The other six abstained. None voted with Russia. A month later the G20 drafted a statement in similar terms and the Indian foreign minister said that all but Russia and China were ready to support it. And no G20 or T25 country, including China and India, has recognised the Russian annexation of Crimea.
