Brazil’s Lula, Ukraine’s Zelensky discuss Russia conflict on UN sidelines
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FILE PHOTO: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva shake hands before their meeting on the sidelines of the 78th Session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York City, U.S., September 20, 2023. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo
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SAO PAULO - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky met on Wednesday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, according to a statement from the Brazilian government.
During the meeting, Lula expressed his belief that a military response will not bring an end to the conflict with Russia, and that an agreement on the terms of a ceasefire should be the first step in negotiations, the statement said.
The Brazilian leader advocated for greater involvement by the United Nations in reaching a negotiated solution that takes into account the security concerns of Ukraine and Russia, according to the statement.
"It's good that there are signals from Brazil that they support, most of all, a ceasefire and peace for the Ukrainian people," Zelensky told journalists after the meeting.
According to the Ukrainian president, the meeting with Lula lasted around one hour, and was their first lengthy conversation in several years.
"President Lula told me that he will try his best to do everything to bring peace closer to Ukraine. I'm thankful to him for his clear position."
The two left several topics on the table for future conversations, including on trade and economy, Zelensky said. REUTERS
