The Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held a videoconference conversation where they discussed issues related to the war and the search for peace in Ukraine. Lula, who came to power two months ago, has been promoting the mediation of countries not directly involved in the conflict, such as Brazil, to help in the resolution of the war in Ukraine. Zelensky has sought Brazil’s help in enlisting the support of Latin American governments in the conflict with Russia. Although Brazil has condemned the Russian invasion, it has chosen to remain neutral in the conflict, along with its neighbors and former President Jair Bolsonaro, who visited Moscow shortly before the start of the war.
During the conversation, Zelensky invited Lula to visit Ukraine, as the Brazilian president has already been to the country on two previous occasions. Lula has reiterated his readiness to participate in any effort to bring together a group of countries that can dialogue with both sides to promote peace. However, Chinese authorities have also presented their own peace initiative, which could affect Lula’s efforts to resolve the conflict.
Recently, Lula’s Brazilian government has authorized the docking of two Iranian warships in Rio de Janeiro, despite requests from the United States and criticism from the Israeli government of the ships’ presence in Brazil.