Kyiv asks Brazil to convince Putin to meet with Zelenskyy
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha (Photo: Vitalii Nosach / RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine has called on Brazil to support the initiative for a 30-day ceasefire and to assist in organizing a direct meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, reports Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha.
Sybiha said that this week he had a conversation with Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira. The colleagues discussed peace efforts to end the war in Ukraine and ongoing diplomatic engagements.
“I called on Brazil to support an unconditional 30-day ceasefire as a basis for effective peace negotiations,” the Foreign Minister noted.
He also appealed to Brazil to use its influence in Russia to ensure that the meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin in Istanbul this week would take place.
“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,” emphasized Sybiha.
Meeting in Istanbul
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently expressed his desire to hold peace talks in Istanbul on May 15, offering both Ukraine and Russia to resume negotiations that were interrupted in 2022.
In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine's readiness for dialogue, but stressed the need for a ceasefire. Later, Zelenskyy stated that he wants direct negotiations with Putin right away.
Russia has yet to respond to this idea, but it was reported that US President Donald Trump could attend the talks if Putin agrees to come to Istanbul.
However, media reports only confirm that US Special Representatives Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg will be present in Türkiye.
Meanwhile, Russia stated a few hours ago that it would not disclose the composition of its delegation in Istanbul until Putin's instructions are given.
Relations between Brazil and Russia
Brazil could indeed play a significant role in facilitating a personal meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy. Brazil has influence in Russia. Recently, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva even attended the Victory Day parade at Putin's invitation.
During his meeting with Putin, Silva attempted to solidify Brazil's role as a mediator in peace negotiations. He emphasized Brazil's readiness to play an active role in peace talks, strengthening its position on the international stage and asserting its independence from external pressures.
