Argentina’s decision to abstain from a United Nations vote on an EU-sponsored resolution urging Russia to withdraw from Ukraine has sparked widespread criticism, marking a significant shift from President Javier Milei’s previously staunch support for Kyiv.

The libertarian leader's position, which follows the US' turnaround under President Donald Trump, aligned Argentina with BRICS countries – the very bloc that Milei had rejected membership of, citing foreign policy consistency. The Security Council resolution passed on February 24 with 93 votes in favour, 18 against and 65 abstentions, including Argentina, the United States and Israel.

In a historic first, Washington found itself in the company of North Korea, Belarus and six other Russia-friendly countries in voting against the motion, one of the least supported UN resolutions condemning the war.

Argentine political figures were quick to condemn the move. Radical Civic Union Chairman Martín Lousteau and former Vice President Julio Cobos labelled the abstention “regrettable” and “shameful,” while former Culture Minister Pablo Avelluto criticised Milei on social media, posting “With Ukraine, against Milei” on X.

The reversal is particularly striking given Milei's previous hawkish anti-Russian rhetoric. Last June, Milei met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Switzerland, reaffirming his nation’s support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing war with Moscow.

The pair met again last month on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, where they discussed coordination to achieve "a just and lasting peace," according to the Ukrainian presidency.

Milei had consistently voiced support for Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, sporting a Ukrainian flag pin in parliament in March 2022. “Those of us who defend the ideas of freedom cannot tolerate or accept an invasion like Russia has done to Ukraine,” he said at the time. 

Back then, Milei even slammed Argentina’s previous government led by Alberto Fernandez – which condemned the invasion but ruled out sending weapons or joining sanctions against Russia – for what he called a “weak” stance on the war, accusing it of being “complicit with the worst dictatorships in the land.” 

Argentina’s latest diplomatic pivot comes as it negotiates a new injection of vital financial support from the Washington-based International Monetary Fund, raising questions about potential geopolitical bargaining. The abrupt foreign policy reversal appears aimed at aligning with President Trump's softer position on Moscow, suggesting that Milei’s move may be a strategic calculation tied to the IMF deal.