Lula and Putin talk Ukraine peace efforts, BRICS cooperation

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on 9 August, discussing efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine, BRICS cooperation, and global political and economic challenges, according to Brazil’s presidential office.

The presidential palace said the 40-minute conversation included Putin’s update on his recent discussions with the United States and what Moscow described as “peace efforts” between Russia and Ukraine.

The two leaders also reviewed cooperation within the BRICS group — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, and exchanged views on the current international political and economic climate.

The call comes ahead of Putin’s expected meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump next week. In recent days, the Russian leader has spoken with counterparts from China, India, Central Asia, and Europe to brief them on his talks with Washington about the war in Ukraine.

Lula is in an escalating dispute with Trump after the U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on certain Brazilian imports, a move the American president linked to what he called a “witch hunt” against his ally and former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro. Products such as orange juice and aircraft received a lower rate.

Earlier this week, Lula said he would call BRICS leaders to coordinate a joint response to the U.S. tariffs. He spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 8 August. Trump last month threatened BRICS nations with an additional 10% tariff during the group’s summit in Rio de Janeiro.

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