The Brazilian President has shown just how difficult it is for some politicians to deal with the obvious.
Jair Bolsonaro, otherwise never at a loss for polarizing remarks, may not evaluate the Russian attack on Ukraine.
He is citing the interests of his country, which may have to fear that it will no longer be able to get enough fertilizer for its agriculture if it joins the global chorus of outrage at the Russian president's actions.
How real this threat is is difficult to assess from the outside.
But it shows what happens when a country becomes too dependent on one supplier.
Although Bolsonaro is in the minority with his attitude, he is not alone either, especially not in Latin America.
Other usual suspects who will not condemn Russia include Venezuela and Cuba.
The possibility of expressing itself in one way or another is open to all states within the framework of the UN General Assembly.
Not every government will be persuaded to make clear commitments.
As is often the case in diplomacy, it depends on the nuances.
For example, China refuses to condemn Russia.
But Beijing wants Ukraine's territorial integrity to be protected.
A formal roll call will therefore not take place in New York.