Lula and Putin discuss global scenario and war in Ukraine in telephone conversation

This Monday, presidents Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, from Brazil, and Vladimir Putin, from Russia, kept a telephone conversation.

According to the Russian government, the leaders addressed topics such as the “arrival of the power of the new US government,” in reference to Donald Trump’s return to the US presidency. However, the official note issued by the Planalto Palace did not mention this, focusing on issues related to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

According to Russian statement, Lula and Putin exchanged visions about the global situation. The Planalto, in turn, pointed out that the Brazilian president expressed concern about the international scenario and reaffirmed Brazil’s commitment to the promotion of peace.

“Lula expressed concern about the international scenario and reaffirmed Brazil’s commitment to the promotion of peace,” said the official note.

The Russian President also thanked Brazil for the role of Brazil in the Friends of Peace Group, a initiative launched in conjunction with China in the United Nations (UN), in September 2023, with the aim of seeking a diplomatic solution for the conflict in Ukraine .

The conversation takes place a few days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, criticizing Brazil during the World Economic Forum in Davos, stating that the country would “miss the opportunity” to act as a mediator in the conflict.

Another topic discussed was the formal invitation for Lula to participate in the 80th anniversary celebrations of victory in World War II, which will take place in Moscow on May 9.

The Brazilian president indicated that he intends to attend the event, reinforcing Brazil’s diplomatic role in international forums and celebrations.

The connection between the two leaders occurs in a moment of global geopolitical tensions, with the war in Ukraine completing almost two years and international polarizations international relations. The dialogue highlights Brazil’s effort to maintain a balanced stance, prioritizing conflict mediation and the promotion of peace.

The Brazilian government has sought to expand its performance in international mediation scenarios, as demonstrated by participation in the group of Friends of Peace and the willingness of Lula to participate in global events, such as the celebration in Moscow. Despite Zelensky’s recent criticism, Brazil continues to position itself as a relevant actor in conflict resolution discussions.

The conversation between Lula and Putin also occurs in a context of changes in the global political scenario, with the expectation of Donald Trump’s return to the Presidency of the United States. Although the issue has been mentioned by the Russian government, Planalto chose not to include it in its official note, maintaining its focus on Ukraine and Peace Promotion issues.

Brazil’s stance on conflict in Ukraine has been marked by a diplomatic approach, with an emphasis on the search for negotiated solutions. However, the criticism of Zelensky and the complexity of the international scenario put challenges for the country’s performance as a mediator.

Lula’s participation in the event in Moscow in May could be an indication of the role that Brazil intends to play in discussions on global security in the coming months.

The connection between the two presidents reinforces the importance of dialogue between nations in a moment of uncertainty and tensions. While Russia seeks to strengthen their relations with countries such as Brazil, the Brazilian government maintains its strategy of multilateral action, seeking to balance their partnerships and reinforce its role as a defender of peace and international stability.