Brazil's position on Russia's war in Ukraine not a tone of neutrality - White House

The United States believes that the position of Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira on Russia's war against Ukraine and the role of the United States and Europe in opposing Russian aggression does not correspond to the tone of a neutral state.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said this at a press briefing in Washington on Tuesday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"We were struck by the tone of the press conference of the [Brazilian] foreign minister yesterday [on April 17], which was not a tone of neutrality, suggesting that the United States and Europe are not interested in peace or that we share responsibility for the war. We believe - and it is true - that it is plainly wrong," she said.

Jean-Pierre noted that the United States wants Putin's war of choice to end and supports Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's call for a just peace based on the UN Charter, as well as the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. She also added that the United States and the EU had actively engaged Putin to prevent the war, dating back to at least mid-202 and efforts have continued since the start of this war.

"Unfortunately, Russia has shown no interest in ending its unprovoked invasion," Jean-Pierre said.

She added that the United States would continue to work with allies and partners "to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression."

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva earlier accused the United States of "encouraging the war in Ukraine." The White House responded by saying that Brazil was thus repeating Russian and Chinese propaganda. After that, Vieira said in a press conference that he did not agree with Washington's position.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry described Lula's approach as being inconsistent with the real state of affairs and invited him to visit Ukraine to understand the true essence of Russian aggression.