German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s attempt this week to rally support for Ukraine against a Russian invasion during its first trip to South America failed, with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva reiterating his view that both sides shared the responsibility.
Scholz sought to build unity in Ukraine during his three-day trip, thanking the three countries he visited – Argentina, Chile and Brazil – for condemning Russia’s invasion at the United Nations General Assembly last year .
But the aftermath of the war and harsh sanctions against Russia, such as rising food and energy prices, have hit the region particularly hard, raising questions about the West’s approach. There is also skepticism about interventionism and sanctions due to one’s past.
In the latest leg of his South American trip, Scholz on Monday became the first foreign leader to visit Lula since taking office. Europe is trying to re-establish ties with Brazil that were strained under former president Jair Bolsonaro.
In a joint press conference in Brasilia, Scholz said he was very happy with Brazil’s return to the world stage. But he remained unmoved when Lula expounded his views on the war in Ukraine.
“I think Russia made the classic mistake of invading another country’s territory,” Lula told reporters.
“But I think when one doesn’t want to, two don’t fight, and I’ve heard very little about peace,” he added.
Lula also said that Brazil will not supply Ukraine with ammunition for German-made Gepard anti-aircraft guns, as requested by Germany.
Brazil will work with other countries to help achieve peace in Ukraine, the president said.
China has an important role to play in the peace talks, he added, which will discuss the issue in a scheduled visit to Beijing in March.
NO WEAPONS FOR UKRAINE
Earlier in Scholz’s trip to strengthen ties with the region, the leaders of Argentina and Chile more clearly condemned the Russian attack but cut off any hope of support for Ukraine’s war effort.
“Argentina and Latin America have no intention of sending weapons to Ukraine or any other conflict zone,” Argentine President Alberto Fernandez said at a joint news conference in Buenos Aires with Scholz on Saturday.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric defended his condemnation of the invasion despite “some media or pundits believing it was a bad decision to get involved in other countries’ politics”.
Dodging a question about whether he agreed with Fernández on arms, he said Chile had promised to help Ukraine rebuild after the war, such as by demining.
In both countries, Scholz has visited memorials to the victims of their military dictatorships which he says underscore the need to fight for democracy and freedom.
In Brasilia, he expressed his full sympathy with Lula and Brazil in general after Bolsonaro supporters attacked the headquarters of the Three Powers earlier this month.
German government officials say it is understandable that Latin American countries have differing views on the causes of the war and how to deal with it, but stress the importance of continuing to convey a Western perspective, as Scholz has also done in Africa and Asia.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
