Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Tuesday called for diplomacy as the best way to end the conflict in Ukraine.
In his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Bolsonaro said the first step toward lasting peace was “an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians and non-combatants, and maintenance of critical infrastructure to support our people.” said it must.
Bolsonaro said Brazil does not consider sanctions against Russia a viable way to end the seven-month conflict that began following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“We do not believe that the best course of action is to adopt unilateral and selective sanctions that are contrary to international law. These measures undermine economic recovery and threaten the human rights of vulnerable people, including in European countries.” Bolsonaro said.
“The resolution of the Ukrainian conflict will only be achieved through negotiation and dialogue,” he said.
Some context: In April, Reuters reported that Russia had asked Brazil to help the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the G20 group, which is facing economic sanctions.
Bolsonaro, who has kept Brazil neutral in the Ukraine crisis, expressed “solidarity” during a visit to Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 16, about a week before the invasion began. Brazilian Foreign Minister Carlos Franca has previously said that Brazil opposes Russia’s expulsion from the G20.
