Brazil’s Lula Encourages Putin to Attend Turkey Talks for Ukraine Peace

Brazilian President Lula da Silva seeks to persuade Russian President Putin to attend peace talks in Turkey with Ukrainian President Zelensky. Lula’s intentions followed an appeal from Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha to discuss a potential ceasefire. Meanwhile, tensions escalate, with Russia preparing for a significant offensive and EU planning to alter tariffs on Ukrainian goods. The Kremlin confirms a delegation will attend discussions in Istanbul, but Putin’s presence remains uncertain.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has recently asserted his intention to encourage Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend peace talks in Turkey with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This sentiment follows a communication from Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha to Lula’s counterpart, Mauro Vieira, urging Brazil to relay this message to Putin.

On May 14, Lula indicated that he had previously conveyed this request during a bilateral dinner with Putin in Moscow. Both leaders discussed a potential thirty-day ceasefire between the conflicting nations. Although publicly, Moscow has dismissed similar proposals before, Lula claims Putin showed willingness to explore the conversation further, saying, “…I have a message from Zelensky to see if you would accept a 30-day truce.”

The ongoing conflict shows no sign of abating as renewed hostilities mount. Reports from Ukraine indicate an uptick in offensive movements by Russian forces, signaling preparations for a significant assault. In response to the conflict’s escalation, the European Union is reportedly considering increased tariffs on Ukrainian exports once an existing duty-free agreement lapses on June 6.

Additionally, on the morning of May 13, Ukraine’s air defenses successfully shot down 80 drones, although another 42 went off radar without causing damage. As forces shift and targets intensify, Ukraine’s State Border Guard reported that a blockade impacting truck traffic had ended, restoring typical operations after a temporary halt.

In a broader diplomatic context, French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the future of sanctions against Russia and potential relocation of French nuclear weapons during an interview with TF1, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Meanwhile, Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff to Zelensky, revealed that Pope Francis even expressed his desire to mediate discussions amongst global leaders for lasting peace in Ukraine.

The upcoming talks in Istanbul have sparked varied reactions. While Zelensky has accepted Russia’s invitation for a face-to-face meeting in Turkey, the Kremlin remains cautious regarding the details. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that a Russian delegation would be present at the negotiations on May 15. However, confirmation on Putin’s personal participation remains unannounced.

If the meeting between Zelensky and Putin indeed takes place, it could offer a hopeful yet tentative step toward resolving tensions that have persisted since the last in-person discussion in December 2019. That encounter happened in Paris as part of the Normandy Format, and since Russia’s large-scale invasion in February 2022, the two leaders have not met directly. A successful dialogue in Turkey might just signal a pivotal moment in what has been a months-long diplomatic deadlock.

In summary, President Lula’s efforts to encourage Putin to engage in peace talks with Ukraine reflect a significant diplomatic initiative, raising hopes for a resolution in the ongoing conflict. Following a series of failed negotiations since 2022, the prospects of a direct meeting between Zelensky and Putin in Turkey could represent a critical turning point for peace efforts. As the geopolitical landscape remains fraught with tension and preparations for escalated military actions are underway, all eyes are on the unfolding developments in Istanbul.

Original Source: kyivindependent.com