Putin calls Lula and expresses solidarity with the victims of the rains in RS, a month after the tragedy
The leaders also discussed the situation in Ukraine, where a war between European countries has been raging for almost two and a half years, since Russia carried out an invasion of the neighboring country.
Lula reaffirmed the importance of peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine - Photo Reproduction/Canal Gov.Br
The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, contacted the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, (PT), this Monday morning (10), to express solidarity with the victims of the floods in Rio Grande do Sul. This call occurred approximately one month after the tragedy that resulted in hundreds of victims in the state.
The Solidarity Phone Call
According to Planalto, during the telephone call, the presidents discussed economic cooperation between the two countries and issues related to global governance. Furthermore, the war between Russia and Ukraine was addressed. Lula reaffirmed the importance of peace negotiations involving both parties to the conflict, in accordance with a document signed by presidential advisors Celso Amorim and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.
During Amorim's visit to Beijing, on May 23, Brazil and China signed a proposal to resolve the war between Russia and Ukraine, which has lasted almost two and a half years. The proposal includes measures such as increasing humanitarian aid and prohibiting the expansion of conflict areas, in addition to determining that Russia participate in discussions on a possible peace proposal.
Putin claims that the West is promoting a global conflict. The Brazilian president also highlighted the importance of an extensive reform of the global governance system, which will be discussed within the G20 during Brazil's presidency of the bloc. Brazil will continue to lead the group of largest economies in the world until November this year.
The Brazilian president highlighted the importance of a broad reform of the global governance system, to be discussed at the G20 during the Brazilian presidency. Brazil will continue to lead this group until November this year. Since taking office, Lula has advocated a reform of the UN Security Council, which reflects current geopolitical changes. According to the president, it is necessary to strengthen the role of the international organization as a space to prevent and resolve conflicts.
The Disaster
At the beginning of May, Rio Grande do Sul was the scene of one of the most severe natural disasters in its recent history. Torrential rains resulted in widespread flooding, landslides and destruction of infrastructure, affecting thousands of residents. Dozens of cities were severely impacted, with many families losing their homes and belongings. Rescue and emergency assistance efforts were intensive, but the lingering impact of the tragedy is still felt.
According to the latest bulletin released by Civil Defense on Sunday (9), the number of deaths in the floods that affected RS in May increased to 173. The cities most affected in terms of fatalities are Canoas, with 31 deaths, Roca Sales, with 13 deaths, and Cruzeiro do Sul, with 12 deaths. The number of missing people decreased from 44 to 38. Additionally, more than 800 people were injured during the floods.
Conflict with Ukraine
Since February 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, the conflict has raged without prospects for peace. Last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited France and received new proposals for military aid. French President Emmanuel Macron announced the sending of Mirage 2000 planes to Ukraine, in addition to offering training to Ukrainian pilots. Likewise, the President of the United States, Joe Biden, promised to send more than US$200 million in money for armaments and for the reconstruction of the Ukrainian electrical grid, which has been the target of Russian bombings.
Next week, heads of state will meet in Italy for the G7 summit. Lula will also be present at this meeting. One of the issues to be discussed by world leaders will be the use of Russian funds, which are blocked in American and European banks, to offer assistance to Ukraine.
