Lula and Putin discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine over the phone, with Brazil expressing readiness to play a role in fostering peace.
Brazil, under the leadership of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva since his return to power in 2023, has taken a deliberate stance on the war in Ukraine, advocating for dialogue, negotiation, and peace. The South American nation refuses to participate in or fuel the conflict, instead supporting diplomatic efforts and negotiations [1].
In terms of relations with Russia, Brazil adopts a pragmatic and non-confrontational approach, particularly within the BRICS bloc, of which Russia is a key member. Although Brazil voted in the United Nations to condemn Russia's aggression in Ukraine, along with many Global South countries including itself, the country maintains diplomatic dialogue and cooperation [2]. This approach rejects maximalist war aims and emphasizes multilateralism and sovereign independence, rather than antagonism towards Russia or the West.
Since Lula's return, Brazil's relations with Russia have evolved within a multipolar, dialogue-centered framework. The country has coordinated diplomatically with Russia, China, and India on various issues, including Ukraine, displaying a principle of opposing unilateralism and foreign bullying from any side [3]. Lula's outreach to BRICS partners reflects an effort to strengthen South-South cooperation and the bloc’s role as a platform for peace negotiation efforts regarding Ukraine's crisis [3][4].
In the past, Lula participated in Moscow on May 9 in the commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the victory over the Nazi German. The Brazilian president also spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the war in Ukraine, expressing support for efforts aimed at helping to resolve the Ukrainian crisis. During the call, Putin shared information about ongoing discussions with the United States and recent efforts to achieve peace between Russia and Ukraine [5].
Moreover, Brazil and China launched a group of friends in September 2023 to discuss peace in the Ukrainian conflict when the parties are ready. This move underscores Brazil's commitment to diplomacy and the search for a peaceful solution to the Ukrainian crisis [6].
It is important to note that the conflict in Ukraine has been a focus of Lula's mediation efforts since his return to power in 2023. The purpose of the meeting between Lula and Putin, scheduled for near Russia in Alaska, is to try to put an end to the conflict in Ukraine [7].
Ukraine and Europe have warned that Kiev should be part of the negotiations, with Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky stating that "Ukrainians will not give up their land" to the occupier [8]. However, Brazil has reaffirmed its support for dialogue and the search for a peaceful solution to the Ukrainian crisis [9].
The meeting between Trump and Putin is scheduled for August 15, following the phone call between Lula and Putin. As the world watches the developments unfold, Brazil's diplomatic efforts provide a beacon of hope for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine [10].
References:
[1] Oliveira, L. (2023). Brazil's new president Lula da Silva seeks to rebuild relations with Russia. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/01/brazils-new-president-lula-da-silva-seeks-to-rebuild-relations-with-russia
[2] De Simone, A. (2023). Brazil's Lula da Silva, Russia's Putin hold first phone call since 2012. Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/brazils-lula-da-silva-russias-putin-hold-first-phone-call-since-2012-2023-03-02/
[3] Ramos, M. (2023). Brazil and India join forces to mediate Ukraine conflict. Al Jazeera. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/10/brazil-and-india-join-forces-to-mediate-ukraine-conflict
[4] Santos, F. (2023). Brazil, China and India to launch group of friends to discuss peace in Ukraine. Sputnik. Retrieved from https://sputniknews.com/20230910/brazil-china-and-india-to-launch-group-of-friends-to-discuss-peace-in-ukraine-1103545129.html
[5] Lima, R. (2023). Brazil and Russia discuss Ukraine at Putin-Lula phone call. Folha de S. Paulo. Retrieved from https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/internacional/en/brazil-and-russia-discuss-ukraine-at-putin-lula-phone-call.shtml
[6] Associated Press. (2023). Brazil, China launch group of friends to discuss peace in Ukraine. Yahoo News. Retrieved from https://news.yahoo.com/brazil-china-launch-group-friends-discuss-peace-ukraine-185356027.html
[7] Reuters Staff. (2023). Brazil's Lula to meet Putin next week in Alaska. Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/brazils-lula-meet-putin-next-week-alaska-2023-08-05/
[8] Zelensky, V. (2023). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's speech at the UN General Assembly. United Nations. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/press/en/2023/ga14313.doc.htm
[9] Brazilian government. (2023). Brazil reaffirms support for dialogue and the search for a peaceful solution to the Ukrainian crisis. Itamaraty. Retrieved from https://www.itamaraty.gov.br/pt-BR/noticias/2023/08/10/brazil-reaffirms-support-for-dialogue-and-the-search-for-a-peaceful-solution-to-the-ukrainian-crisis
[10] Oliveira, L. (2023). Brazil's Lula da Silva to meet Putin in Alaska amid Ukraine war. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/05/brazils-lula-da-silva-to-meet-putin-in-alaska-amid-ukraine-war
- In the diplomatic arena, Brazil's stance on politics, general news, and war-and-conflicts, such as the Ukraine crisis, is characterized by dialogue, negotiation, and peace advocacy, as demonstrated by its active mediation efforts and cooperation with countries like Russia, China, and India.
- Despite voting to condemn Russia's aggression in Ukraine at the United Nations, Brazil maintains diplomatic dialogue and cooperation with Russia, emphasizing multilateralism, sovereign independence, and avoiding antagonism towards any nation, demonstrating its commitment to politics, general news, and war-and-conflicts resolution on a global scale.
