President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been a prominent figure in Brazilian politics for decades, with a significant support base and a history of leadership on the country’s political left.

In addition to his position in Brazil, Lula, as president for two consecutive terms from 2003 to 2010, promoted a foreign policy that placed Brazil in a leading global position, engaging in dialogue with nations, mediating conflicts such as the one between the U.S. and Iran, being heard by both Palestine and Israel, and earning so much respect internationally to the point of that for years Brazil has been campaigning for a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council.

Now in his third term, however, Lula’s position in the Ukrainian-Russian conflict has generated controversy and criticism. He has expressed support for Russia in its actions in Ukraine, slightly shifting the tone in the different countries he recently visited, but clearly siding with the country that has invaded a sovereign neighbor and criticizing those who are trying to aid the clear victim of the war. While stating that he seeks peace and would like to be a mediator, Lula welcomed Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov with state-like pomp in Brazil in April.

Lula blaming Ukraine for the war prompted the foreign minister to say that “the views of Brazil and Russia are similar”—despite the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs promoting the Russian visit as a sign of Brazil’s “independence.”

Full article at Latino Rebels’ website. Date of publication: 24/04/2023.