Brazil's President speaks out on Ukraine war
Photo: Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Getty Images)
Lula da Silva said that at the start of the full-scale invasion, both sides and their allies had illusions about a quick victory. He noted that US President Joe Biden expected Russia to be swiftly defeated, while Russian leader Vladimir Putin hoped to seize Ukraine quickly.
"Biden thought he would soon destroy Russia. And Russia thought it would soon destroy Ukraine. They were wrong. The war has been going on for four years," the Brazilian President said.
Lula da Silva stressed that the war has now lasted four years, causing massive human casualties and financial losses. He reiterated Brazil’s position: the country has never recognized Russia’s right to invade, but sees a solution only through diplomacy.
He also expressed doubt that the fighting will end soon without external intervention in the form of negotiations, as neither side has achieved its goals so far.
Lula previously criticized US President Donald Trump’s approach to international policy in an interview, pointing to inconsistencies in his arguments and the dangers of coercive pressure.
Brazil backs negotiations
Back in September 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Lula da Silva in New York, where they discussed ways to achieve peace in Ukraine.
Shortly before that, Lula said that Russia’s war against Ukraine was close to ending. In his view, Zelenskyy and Putin are simply waiting for the moment when they have the courage to announce the end of the war. A day before the meeting, the Brazilian leader also stressed that the war must be ended through negotiations.
