During his visit to China in mid-April, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva moved Brazil's pawn on the international chessboard. While continuing to promote an official position of neutrality on Russia’s war in Ukraine, the Brazilian president criticised the US’s role, arguing that the Biden administration is “encouraging war” by arming Ukraine.
Lula’s statements reverberated negatively across Ukraine and parts of the Global North, which interpreted them as a position in support of Russia. Just weeks earlier, Lula had already suggested that Ukraine cede Crimea to end the war.
“Ukraine appreciates the efforts of the Brazilian president to find a solution to stop Russian aggression,” declared Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko. “At the same time, we have to clearly note: Ukraine does not trade its territories.”
