President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil has been advocating for peace in Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine. However, it appears that both sides are not yet ready to lay down their weapons and seek a resolution. Brazil, known for its neutrality in foreign policy, believes it is well-positioned to help bring an end to the conflict. Lula has appointed his chief foreign policy adviser, Celso Amorim, as a “special war envoy” and sent him to meet with President Putin in Moscow and President Zelensky in Kyiv.
Additionally, Brazil has taken steps to prevent the sale of any weapons that could potentially be used in the war. Despite these efforts, progress has been limited. However, Brazil is not giving up on its pursuit of peace. Amorim will be attending a meeting on Ukraine’s peace plan remotely in Saudi Arabia, showing Brazil’s commitment to finding a resolution.
Amorim emphasized the importance of respecting the territorial integrity of states and the security concerns of all parties involved. He believes Brazil has more influence with Russia than with Ukraine, primarily due to its inclusion in the BRICS bloc. China, in particular, has helped reduce Moscow’s nuclear rhetoric. Amorim also highlighted the potential role of the United States in persuading Ukraine to seek peace.
However, Brazil’s stance of acknowledging Russia’s concerns has frustrated Ukraine and its Western allies. A planned meeting between Lula and Zelensky during the G7 Summit in Japan did not materialize, and both leaders blamed each other for the missed opportunity. Lula has stated that both Russia and Ukraine are responsible for the war, while Zelensky has criticized Lula’s peace talks as mere attempts to be “original.”
Nevertheless, there seems to be some encouragement for improved relations. Zelensky has suggested that Brazil host a summit for Latin American nations, with Ukraine in attendance. While Brazil is open to a visit from Zelensky, they have made it clear that they will not host any meetings for him or Putin. Brazil’s main objective is to achieve peace and end the war, with the Ukrainian people being the main victims. However, they also believe in maintaining credibility with both sides.
In conclusion, while President Lula da Silva and his envoy continue their efforts to bring peace to the war between Russia and Ukraine, progress has been slow. Brazil’s attempts to respect the concerns of all parties involved have frustrated Ukraine and its allies, but there is still hope for improved relations. The pursuit of peace remains a top priority for Brazil, and they seek credibility with both Russia and Ukraine in order to achieve a lasting resolution.