Brazil’s Lula calls for immediate ceasefire in Ukraine

For most of Wednesday, delegates at the summit were locked behind closed doors for discussions on the possible expansion of the membership and other critical matters.

In his address, Da Silva warned that the 2023 summit is faced with more complex scenarios than the previous gatherings.

He also criticised the UN Security Council over its handling of other, less high profile, conflicts around the world.

"The Ukranian war shows the limitations of the UN Security Council. Many other conflicts and crises do not have the same attention, and the BRICS is the forum to discuss the main issues that affect peace and world security.

“We cannot bypass the treaty. The main conflict of today that is happening in Ukraine has a global effect," said Da Silva.

`'We believe that it is possible that a growing number of countries amongst the BRICS countries also are engaged in direct contact with Moscow and Kiev. We do not underestimate the efforts to reach peace. We believe everyone suffers from the consequences of the war. The most vulnerable populations in the developing populations are the ones that suffer.

"The quest for peace is a collective obligation and an imperative for a fair and sustainable development. The BRICS should act as a force for understanding and cooperation. Our willingness is expressed in the contribution given by China, South Africa and my own country on the resolution of the conflict, " he said.

In response to remarks by Da Silva, Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed attempts by “some countries” to preserve their global hegemony that led to the crisis in Ukraine. 

"It started when an anti-constitutional government coup took place in this country with the help of the Western countries,” Putin said via a video link.

“This was followed by the unleashing of a war against people who refused to accept this coup. It was a cruel war, a war of extermination, which lasted for eight years.

“Russia decided to side with people who are fighting for their culture, their traditions, language and future. Stopping the war unleashed by the West and its satellites in Ukraine against the people of Donbas is the only thing that defines our actions in Ukraine,” explained Putin.

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