Latin American countries refuse to send helicopters to Ukraine

Presidents of Brazil and Columbia have publicly declined the plea for Soviet- or Russian-made weapons that the US sent in an effort to find more weapons for Ukraine.

The declared reason to deny the weapons was they "prefer a peaceful solution" to the war of Ukraine against Russia, Defense Express informs, citing Infodefensa.

As noted by the reporters, Columbia straight refused to send its Mi-8 and Mi-17 attack helicopters, while Brazil only denied spare ammunition for Leopard 1 and Leopard 2 tanks yet, but it also could mean that Russian-made Mi-35 attack helicopters were ruled out as well. Despite these Mi-35 being "tied to the ground" anyway due to the lack of maintenance.

The Military Balance 2022 says Columbian armed forces have 19 helicopters of both Mi-8 and Mi-17 types, although Infodefensa states there are 26, and 8 of them have already turned into metal scrap. Meanwhile, Brazil has 12 Mi-35 helicopters bought for USD 365 million back in 2008 (in equivalent, according to that time's exchange rates). All the aircraft were decommissioned due to their poor condition in February 2022.

The President of Mexico has also said his country would not supply weapons to the "conflict zone" between Ukraine and Russia. Mexican Air Force possesses 16 Mi-17 helicopters.

Theoretically, if these Latin American countries responded to the US appeal, the Ukrainian Air Force could receive a few dozen helicopters of Mi-17 and Mi-35 types. However, what is in the way of approval is the ties these countries still maintain with the Russian Federation.

Brazil is not just a part of the so-called "BRICS block" the Kremlin has high hopes on. Brazil's economy is also very dependent on Russian supplies of mineral fertilizers. This is why Brazil was reluctant to send ammunition for Leopard 1 tanks when Germany asked for it in favour of Ukraine.