Brazilian President Lula to Invite Putin for Turkey Peace Talks with Ukraine
Brazil’s President Lula da Silva plans to invite Putin to Turkey for Ukraine peace talks after discussions with a Ukrainian minister. This comes in light of Russia’s recent invitation to Ukraine for direct talks, although a ceasefire remains unaccepted. Both leaders have not met directly since before the invasion, making any potential discussion vital for peace efforts.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated he intends to invite Russian President Vladimir Putin to Turkey for peace negotiations with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to a report by CNN, Lula revealed this latest development on May 14, citing communication with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who encouraged Brazil to approach Putin regarding a potential peace agreement.
The backdrop to this diplomatic push is Russia’s recent rejection of calls for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposed by the U.S., Ukraine, and European nations. In an effort to re-engage in discussions, Putin has invited Ukraine for direct talks in Istanbul, and Zelensky has signaled his willingness to meet with him on May 15. However, the Kremlin has yet to confirm if Putin will personally attend.
During a state visit to China, Lula articulated that he would seek to persuade Putin to travel to Turkey. Notably, he mentioned having relayed Zelensky’s peace message to the Russian leader directly at a dinner meeting in Moscow. Lula recounted, “It was the first thing I said to Putin: ‘I have a message from Zelensky to see if you would accept a 30-day truce.’” He claimed that Putin responded positively to this suggestion, but Moscow has publicly dismissed ceasefire proposals.
Lula further noted that Putin advocated for a return to negotiations based on prior discussions held in Istanbul back in 2022. Details from a leaked proposal indicated that both nations had initially agreed to leave Crimea under Russian control, while also delaying decisions on other occupied territories to future talks. Moreover, dependencies included Ukraine’s pledge to abandon its NATO aspirations while maintaining a pathway for European Union membership.
Initial discussions fell short, with no agreements finalized, and since those events, Ukraine and Russia curtailed any direct dialogue. A subsequent meeting in Turkey could mark a pivotal moment in ceasing ongoing hostilities that have persisted since February 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Zelensky and Putin last met in person in December 2019, and since the full-scale invasion, they have not communicated directly, fueling the urgency for renewed diplomacy. As both international and national entities keep a watchful eye on this proposed meeting, the outcome could significantly impact ongoing efforts to address and potentially resolve the conflict.
In summary, President Lula of Brazil is actively seeking to facilitate peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine by inviting President Putin to Turkey for talks with President Zelensky. The backdrop of this invitation is rooted in previous failed efforts for a ceasefire and settled terms, as well as Russia’s invitation for direct talks. The potential meeting signifies critical diplomatic efforts to confront the ongoing conflict, and if it materializes, it could stir renewed hope for a resolution.
Original Source: kyivindependent.com
