Brazil urges peaceful solution to Russia–Ukraine conflict

Yesterday, Russia recognized the separatist territories as independent

Marieta Cazarré

Published on 22/02/2022 - 14:26

Brasília

Palácio do Itamaraty na Esplanada dos Ministérios — © Fabio Rodrigues Pozzebom/Agência Brasil

Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Relations today (Feb. 22) released a note to the press restating the need for a negotiated solution taking into account the legitimate security interests of Russia and Ukraine as well as the need to respect the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

The ministry appeals for talks to be founded on the Minsk Agreements—signed in 2014 by representatives from the Ukraine, Russia, the Donetsk People’s Republic, and the Luhansk People’s Republic to put an end to the war in East Ukraine.

Regarding the status of the self-proclaimed states of Donetsk and Luhansk, the statement reads, Brazil “appeals to all involved parties to avoid an escalation in violence and to establish channels of dialog as soon as possible in a bid to address the situation in the territory in a peaceful manner.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday (21) recognized the independence of the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Luhansk and announced the deployment of “peace maintenance” forces on Ukrainian soil.

Security Council

Also yesterday, permanent representative of Brazil with the UN Ambassador Ronaldo Costa Filho, spoke during the UN Security Council debate on the matter. He warned that the “tension in and around Ukraine is aggravating every day—in fact, every hour.”

Costa Filho also said the situation became critical, adding that Brazil has watched the latest developments with great concern. “In the current circumstances, we in this council, representing the international community, must reiterate our appeal for immediate de-escalation and our firm commitment to support political and diplomatic efforts to create the conditions for a peaceful solution to this crisis.”

“A inescapable goal at first is an immediate cease-fire, with the wholesale withdrawal of troops and military equipment from the territory. Such military disengagement will be a key step in building trust between the parties, strengthening diplomacy, and seeking a sustainable solution to the crisis.”