The Secretary General of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP) considered today that African states, and other small and poorer ones in the world, are the ones that suffer most from the impacts of the war in Ukraine.

From Zacarias Costa's perspective, the CPLP countries refrain from condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine to safeguard their interests.

"The truth is that we all feel the consequences of war. I think all countries have their interests and all countries take into account their situation, not only their geographical situation, but also their relevance and influence at the international level," he said on the sidelines of the 77th UN General Assembly.

However, Costa admits that it is in the interest of African states to condemn the war, but before that each state prefers to maintain the relations it has with those involved.

"Everyone makes the decision that matters, safeguarded by their countries and their citizens," he reminded.

Since the start of the Ukraine war on February 24, a significant number of nations, mostly African, have refrained from condemning the Russian invasion, especially on stages such as the United Nations.

This position has been read as linked not only to the strategic political and economic role that Moscow plays in much of Africa, but also to historical reasons such as Russian support for anti-colonial movements and the liberation of African peoples in the 20th century.