UBCR President on Brazil’s chances to become mediator in peace process

A lack of diplomatic will throughout all levels of the Brazilian government prevents Brazil from serving as a mediator in Russia’s war against Ukraine, said Roberto André Oresten, the President of the Ukrainian-Brazilian Central Representation (UBCR).

Oresten made these remarks in response to recent media reports about Brazil’s intention to join a flailing peace process.

“Brazil cannot be a mediator in this conflict because of its close ties to Russia. This was clearly shown by President Lula da Silva’s recent visit to Moscow for the military parade. Brazil has never offered diplomatic support to Ukraine — neither during the annexation of Crimea nor now. The root cause is the lack of political will at all levels of government,” Oresten said.

He added that President Lula da Silva’s real goal is to create an image as a peacemaker and place himself on equal footing with NATO countries.

“But the reality is quite different. Lula da Silva had chances to engage in dialogue with the president of Ukraine, including during his visit to Canada, yet he took no action and abruptly left the event. He is not a global leader, and even in South America, his support mostly comes from partners in Cuba, Venezuela, and other countries of the so-called ‘red bloc,’” Oresten said.

Lula da Silva’s actions are increasingly damaging Brazil’s reputation on the international stage, particularly Western democracies and Ukraine’s allies, who view alignment with Russia and avoidance of engagement with Ukraine as undermining Brazil’s credibility as a neutral or responsible global actor. 

“His presence in Moscow alongside the presidents of socialist countries only reveals the true political orientation of Lula and his foreign policy team,” the UBCR president said.