Brazilian president makes another statement on Russian war against Ukraine

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva says he does not want to "please anyone" with his stance on Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

That's according to Reuters, Ukrinform reports.

The statement comes amid criticism the leader provoked in the West for suggesting Kyiv was partly to blame for the war.

Speaking in Lisbon at the start of his first presidential visit to Europe on Saturday, Lula said he aimed to "build a way to bring both of them (Russia and Ukraine - ed.) to the table."

Lula da Silva earlier accused the United States of "encouraging war in Ukraine." The White House responded by saying that Brazil was thus "parroting" Russian and Chinese propaganda. After that, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Brazil Mauro Vieira stated at a press conference that he did not agree with Washington's position.

At the same time, Ukraine’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs said the Brazilian president's approach “does not correspond to the real state of affairs," and invited him to visit Ukraine to understand the true essence of Russian aggression.

Lula da Silva has responded to the invitation by deciding to send his envoy.