Brazil’s Lula backs China peace push at UN, tells US his nation is ‘no one’s backyard’

At the UN General Assembly, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva reiterated his support for a peace initiative with China aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Speaking in New York, Lula described the conflict as a humanitarian crisis and emphasized diplomacy as the sole solution, highlighting the "Group of Friends for Peace" created by Brazil and China. He also criticized the UN's declining credibility and the immobility of the Security Council. While not explicitly named, the United States was the target of Lula's veiled criticisms regarding tariffs, military pressure, and access to critical minerals, particularly in the context of Latin America's proximity to a major military power. Lula's remarks were made shortly before a significant presidential election in Brazil.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, warned against foreign interference in Brazil's upcoming election. He asserted that Brazilian democracy belongs to Brazilians and that the country will remain sovereign, rejecting attempts to divide the world into spheres of influence. Lula's remarks come amid a strained relationship with the US administration, which he accused of trying to influence the election through economic pressure, including new tariffs on Brazilian goods. He stated that Brazil would not allow domestic or foreign actors to undermine the October 4 vote, where he is seeking a fourth term. Lula also indicated that Brazil could retaliate if trade negotiations with the US fail.