“After discussing various issues with President Trump, Putin acknowledged Brazil’s participation in the Group of Friends of Peace, a joint initiative with China,” the government said in a statement.

He pointed out that the conversation between Lula and the Russian ruler lasted about 30 minutes and Putin described his meeting with the republican as positive.

“President Lula thanked the president for the call and reaffirmed Brazil’s support to all efforts that will lead to a peaceful solution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

He also wished success in the negotiations”, says the note from Palacio del Planalto, the seat of the executive branch.

The war in Europe has lasted for more than three years and on Friday Putin and Trump talked in Alaska, but the meeting ended without a favourable agreement to end the conflict.

Trump will receive Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and seven other European leaders at the White House on Monday to try to make progress in the negotiations and end the war.

This was the second call between Lula and Putin in recent days.

The two leaders spoke by telephone on August 9, also about the war with Ukraine.

On that occasion, Putin thanked Brazil for its commitment and interest in this matter.

Lula emphasized that Brazil always supports talks and the search for a peaceful solution, and reaffirmed his government’s willingness to contribute in everything necessary, including within the framework of the Group of Friends of Peace, created on the initiative of Brazil and China.

abo/mem/ocs