Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed openness to the encounter between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin during Xi’s visit to Moscow, emphasizing the significance of Moscow on the global stage. He underscored that Russia is neither a minor actor nor an inconsequential nation, noting its long-standing role in shaping efforts toward world peace. Lula reiterated Brasilia’s stance against Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, advocating for a peaceful path to resolve the crisis and seeking dialogue as a means to reduce tensions.
During talks planned in Beijing at the end of March, the Brazilian leader said he would raise the Ukraine question with Xi Jinping and explore possible steps that could help end the conflict. He stressed that after a year of fighting, it is essential to identify pathways to constructive negotiation and de-escalation. Lula pointed out that while the United States has not prioritized peace talks in the same way, an engagement with China, a country of substantial global influence, could contribute to a serious, multilateral discussion involving major powers.
Earlier, it was reported that U.S. President Joe Biden and Lula da Silva had a conversation in which both leaders expressed concerns about Russia’s actions in Ukraine and called for a just and lasting peace. Lula reaffirmed his support for a diplomatic resolution that respects international law and safeguards civilian lives, inviting broader participation from influential nations to help broker a ceasefire and a durable political settlement.