
On January 27, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation focused on the Ukraine conflict, trade, and bilateral relations, as Russia looks to deepen ties with Brazil, Latin America’s largest economy.
During the call, Lula shared his concerns about the ongoing war in Ukraine while reaffirming Brazil’s commitment to peace. Putin thanked Brazil for its efforts toward finding a resolution and praised the “Group of Friends of Peace,” an initiative launched by Brazil and China at the UN in September, aimed at drafting a peace plan for Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously rejected the peace proposal, calling it “destructive”.
Since assuming the BRICS presidency from Russia on January 1, Brazil has focused on enhancing cooperation within the Global South and pushing for reforms in international governance. Brazil plans to develop payment systems to boost intra-BRICS trade and investment, promote responsible artificial intelligence governance, and improve climate change financing mechanisms.
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