Brazil to remain neutral in Russia-Ukraine war, says Lula

By Jorge Antonio Rocha

MEXICO CITY (AA) - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Thursday that Brazil will remain neutral in the Russia-Ukraine war conflict.

"Nothing will happen until Ukraine and Russia make the decision that they want peace," said Lula after meeting with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto.

"Therefore, Brazil is part of a group of countries that want to remain neutral to build the possibility of an end to the war," said Lula at the Itamaraty Palace in Brasilia.

While Lula has condemned Russian aggression and invasion of Ukraine, the left-leaning president has pledged neutrality in the conflict, pushing for a peaceful way out.

"We are trying to formulate the opportunity, when it suits the two presidents of Russia and Ukraine, to put a peace proposal on the table that has to be agreed upon with both of them," said Lula.

Lula has voiced on several occasions the need for an international bloc mirroring the G20 to consolidate peace talks between the warring countries, saying that the G20 was designed to save the world economy following the 2008 crisis and that a new international group is needed to end the war.

After participating in the G7 Summit in Japan, Lula reiterated his neutral position and assured that he is in talks with India, China, Indonesia, and other countries to build a block for peace policy in the world. Lula has also shared his initiative with leaders in Latin America.

However, the Brazilian leader has criticized the United States and Europe for purposefully prolonging the war by supplying weaponry to Ukraine forces.

In January, Lula denied Germany's request to send ammunition to Ukraine.