Zelenskyy Criticizes China and Brazil’s Peace Proposals on Russian War Against Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticized the peace proposals from China and Brazil regarding the settlement of Russia’s war against Ukraine. In an interview with Metrópoles, Zelenskyy expressed his frustration, stating, “So you talked with Russia about some initiative, put it forward and say: let’s have such an initiative. It’s definitely not about justice, not about values, it’s definitely without respect for Ukraine.”

He emphasized that these proposals undermine the principle of respect for territorial integrity, “about which both China and Brazil talk so much.”

During the interview at the Mariinskyi Palace in Kyiv, Zelenskyy specifically criticized the stance of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s government. He described Brazil’s position as “pro-Russia” and voiced disappointment over Lula’s approach to the war.

“Unfortunately, I believe that they (the Brazilian government) support Russia,” Zelenskyy said.

He recalled a meeting with Lula where he believed they had reached an understanding, only to be let down by Brazil’s subsequent stance. “I had a good conversation with President Lula and I thought he understood me. I was grateful to meet him, and I was very open, absolutely open. I thought that I would see in his experience an understanding of what is happening, and not just a political pacification.”

Zelenskyy also criticized the broader diplomatic efforts by Brazil, arguing that their neutrality and call for peace negotiations between both parties fail to address the reality of the war, which Zelenskyy insists is perpetuated by Vladimir Putin, whom he labeled a “murderer” showing no signs of wanting to end the war.

Since Lula’s third term began, Brazil has maintained a neutral stance on the war, advocating for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. However, Ukraine perceives this neutrality as tacit support for Russia’s actions, which began with the invasion of Ukrainian territory on February 24, 2022.

Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, recently urged Lula to visit Ukraine to witness the impact of the war firsthand, suggesting that such a visit could alter the Brazilian president’s perspective on the war.