Brazilian President Lula declined on Friday an invitation to visit St. Petersburg, during a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
Lula has sparked controversy by repeatedly claiming that responsibility for the conflict is shared, even though he recently condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine.Unlike several Western powers, Brazil has never imposed financial sanctions on Russia or agreed to supply ammunition to Kiev. Brasilia is trying to position itself as a mediator. The Brazilian president said he was "upset" not to have spoken one-on-one with Mr. Zelensky.