Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said that he discussed with China and the United Arab Emirates joint mediation in the war between Russia and Ukraine. Earlier, he accused the US of prolonging the conflict, writes AFP. On Sunday, he added Europe to the list of those encouraging military action.

Luis Inacio Lula da SilvaPhoto: Ken Cedeno/UPI/Profimedia Images

Lula made the announcement at a news conference in Abu Dhabi after official visits to the Emirates and China, expressing his desire for the two and other countries to join the “political G20” to try to end the war sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022

The cause of the war was “decisions made by both countries,” the Brazilian president said.

“President (of the Russian Federation, Vladimir) Putin does not take any initiative to stop the war. (President Volodymyr) Zelensky from Ukraine does not take any initiative to stop the war,” said Lula.

“Europe and the USA contribute to the continuation of the war. In the conditions in which they have to sit at the table and say: “Enough,” Lula also confirmed.

In China, the president of Brazil accused Washington of “encouraging war” in Ukraine.

Lula also said he proposed to the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan and Chinese President Xi Jinping to create a group of countries whose mission would be to act as a mediator.

“The G20 was formed to strengthen the (world) economy, which was in crisis. The important thing now is to create a different kind of G20 to end this war and establish peace. That is my intention and I think we will succeed,” Lula said.

Lula spoke with Western leaders

Lula also said that he has already discussed his initiative with US President Joe Biden, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron and leaders of South American countries.

Lula da Silva, who is due to return to Brazil on Sunday, said his delegation had signed $10 billion worth of deals with China.

He arrived in the Emirates on Saturday after his two-day visit to China. In Beijing, Lula da Silva, who returned to power in January after serving two terms from 2003 to 2010, said Brazil was “back” on the international stage and hoped it would play a mediating role in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Unlike several Western countries, China and Brazil have never imposed financial sanctions against Russia and are trying to position themselves as mediators. (Agerpress)