Kyiv has formally requested Brazil’s assistance in facilitating a direct meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha confirmed the request, emphasizing the need for Brazil’s influence in Russia to help secure a 30-day ceasefire as a foundation for peace negotiations.
Ukraine’s Diplomatic Outreach to Brazil
Sybiha revealed that he recently held discussions with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, focusing on peace initiatives and diplomatic engagements aimed at resolving the conflict.
“I called on Brazil to support an unconditional 30-day ceasefire as a basis for effective peace negotiations,” Sybiha stated, underscoring Ukraine’s commitment to diplomatic solutions.
Additionally, Sybiha urged Brazil to leverage its diplomatic ties with Russia to ensure that the proposed Zelenskyy-Putin meeting in Istanbul proceeds as planned.
“I confirmed President Zelenskyy’s readiness to meet with Putin in Türkiye and urged Brazil to use its authoritative voice in dialogue with Russia to facilitate this high-level direct meeting,” he emphasized.
Planned Peace Talks in Istanbul
Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently expressed interest in resuming peace talks in Istanbul on May 15, reviving negotiations that were halted in 2022.
In response, Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s willingness to engage in dialogue but stressed that a ceasefire must be in place before meaningful discussions can occur.
While Russia has yet to formally respond to the proposal, reports indicate that U.S. President Donald Trump may attend the talks if Putin agrees to participate. However, official confirmations only mention the presence of U.S. Special Representatives Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg in Türkiye.
Meanwhile, Russian officials have stated that they will not disclose the composition of their delegation until Putin provides further instructions.
Brazil’s Role in Mediation
Brazil has emerged as a potential key mediator in the conflict, given its diplomatic ties with Russia. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva recently attended the Victory Day parade in Moscow at Putin’s invitation, signaling Brazil’s ongoing engagement with Russian leadership.
During his meeting with Putin, Silva reaffirmed Brazil’s willingness to mediate peace negotiations, positioning his country as a neutral facilitator in the process. He emphasized Brazil’s commitment to diplomacy, asserting its independence from external pressures while advocating for a peaceful resolution to the war.
Conclusion
Ukraine’s appeal to Brazil highlights the growing international efforts to broker peace between Kyiv and Moscow. As the Istanbul talks approach, diplomatic maneuvering continues, with Brazil potentially playing a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of negotiations.
