Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva pursues a clear mission: to heal a nation’s standing and to lead through international diplomacy after presidencies that left deep scars. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the attempts to broker peace tested Russia’s ambitions, a dynamic that unfolded during the G7 gathering in Hiroshima. It marked Lula’s seventh appearance at such an event as a guest observer. He returned home with mixed results, not achieving every goal he had set for the trip.
Columnist Ana Rosa Alves of the Rio de Janeiro newspaper O Globo noted that Lula achieved a personal win by attending the summit and signaling that the world’s most affluent economies must join forces to tackle global hunger, a crisis the United Nations has highlighted as affecting hundreds of millions. Brazil’s presence in Japan helped Tokyo reconsider visa requirements for Brazilian citizens. During his stay in Hiroshima the president met with nine heads of government, leaders from multilateral organizations, and business figures. This cluster of meetings underscored Lula’s persistent interest in diplomacy even as tensions flared with Ukraine and Russia.
The surprise appearance of Zelensky at the Hiroshima meetings revealed the limits of Lula’s mediation approach in the ongoing war. Lula’s ally status within BRICS and his efforts to bridge divides were tested as Zelensky’s visit was delayed and ultimately did not happen as planned. The postponement caused some discomfort within Lula’s own political circle, including remarks from party leadership at the time.
a new opportunity
“I would like a chance to talk with him and discuss the matter further,” Lula said, hinting at openness to dialogue even if a direct meeting did not occur on that trip. He also cautioned that Zelensky knows what he is doing and left room for a brief exchange if circumstances allow. “If it did not work out this time, another opportunity will arise. Russia and Ukraine will understand that negotiation remains essential. I am ready to travel to Russia or to Ukraine and to go wherever necessary to push for an end to the war, but the timing must be right,” he added.
Before arriving in Japan, Lula had already set the tone by pointing to the difficulties of managing a protracted conflict. He criticized both sides for not taking decisive steps toward peace, arguing that Europe and the United States share responsibility for perpetuating the war. Washington did not warmly welcome Lula’s presence in Turkey, where discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had limited impact. The president later dispatched his chief adviser, Celso Amorim, a former foreign minister, to Kiev to keep channels open and to push for dialogue.
empty hands
In Kyiv, Zelensky described the failed meeting with Lula as a missed chance to press for concrete action. While Modi of India, whose country maintains a strategic relationship with Moscow, did meet with Lula, the Brazilian leader left with the impression that the mediation effort faced stubborn obstacles. Political analysts suggested Lula’s inability to secure a breakthrough may have damaged his credibility as a mediator, though experts noted that one failed meeting does not end Brazil’s broader diplomacy agenda. The broader view is that a new Cold War frame may be taking shape, with competition between West and East becoming more pronounced than any simple North-South divide. Brazil will need to adjust its approach if it hopes to shape global discussions in the coming years.
Guilherme Casarões of the Getúlio Vargas Foundation in São Paulo described the setback as a single event that should not derail Brazil’s broader mediation efforts. The political reality remains that Brazil seeks to contribute constructively to international stability even as it navigates complex alliances and regional priorities.
Argentina case
Another challenge on Lula’s radar is Argentina, Brazil’s main political and trade partner in the region. There is concern that Argentina may drift away from economic stability, a situation Brazil hopes to prevent. In discussions with the International Monetary Fund, IMF, Brazil urged sensitivity toward the social costs of debt and policy responses that protect vulnerable populations. The goal has been to help Argentina recover after drought and pandemic-related pressures that hit agricultural output and public finances.
Lula advocated giving Argentina time to rebuild and to meet its commitments. He argued that a cooperative approach to debt relief and social programs is essential to avoid deepening regional inequality and to promote shared prosperity. Argentina refinanced substantial debt carried from the previous government, a move Lula framed as part of a broader need for responsible fiscal management that preserves social cohesion. He stressed the importance of consistent messaging to IMF leadership and European partners about the path forward for both nations.
The broader implication is that Lula remains committed to a diplomacy that blends regional partnership with global engagement. Brazil seeks to position itself as a constructive voice in international affairs, advocating negotiation, inclusion, and practical solutions that address immediate needs while laying groundwork for long-term stability across the Americas and beyond. This stance reflects Lula’s ongoing effort to balance national interests with a broader, multilateral agenda that resonates with voters and allies throughout Canada, the United States, and the wider world.
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