Brazil’s Lula Urges Putin to Join Ukraine Peace Talks in Istanbul
Wafric News – May 14, 2025
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is taking a bold diplomatic step in urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet face-to-face with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Istanbul—marking a potential breakthrough in efforts to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is taking a bold diplomatic step in urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet face-to-face with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Istanbul—marking a potential breakthrough in efforts to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Speaking during a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday, Lula didn’t mince his words.
“It costs me nothing to say, ‘Hey, comrade Putin, go to Istanbul and negotiate, dammit,’” Lula told reporters, adding that he plans to deliver that message directly to Putin if the opportunity arises during his return trip from China.
His comments come as Brazil and China jointly called for direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, stating such dialogue remains “the only way to end the conflict,” now entering its third year.
The proposed negotiations, expected to take place Thursday in Istanbul, would be the first direct encounter between Kyiv and Moscow since early 2022. The talks, if they materialize, could offer a much-needed diplomatic channel amid intensifying hostilities and waning global appetite for prolonged war.
Ukraine has been actively calling on influential countries like Brazil to push Moscow to the negotiating table. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba recently urged Brasilia to leverage its strong ties with the Kremlin.
Zelenskyy, who has publicly dared Putin to show up in Istanbul, framed the potential summit as a litmus test for Russia’s willingness to pursue peace.
“If he doesn’t come, the world will know who’s not ready for peace,” Zelenskyy said earlier this week.
Adding to the international dimension, former U.S. President Donald Trump—currently touring the Middle East—voiced support for the talks. He announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would represent the United States in Istanbul. The U.S. State Department confirmed Rubio's expected arrival on Friday.
As for Moscow, clarity on Putin’s attendance remains elusive. The Kremlin has said only that a Russian delegation will be present. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov confirmed Russia’s willingness to engage in “serious negotiations,” though he cast doubt on Kyiv’s sincerity.
While it remains uncertain whether these talks will lead to lasting peace, Lula’s direct language and active engagement signal a growing role for Global South nations in shaping the path forward.
By WafricNews Desk.
By WafricNews Desk.
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