Conflict in Ukraine: Brazil condemns Russia at UN

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Despite President Jair Bolsonaro’s recent visit to his counterpart Vladimir Putin, in which the Brazilian declared solidarity with his host, and his reluctant position on Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Brazil hardened its speech at the UN Security Council on Friday, February 25.

“We renew our call for a complete halt to hostilities, the withdrawal of troops and the immediate resumption of dialogue,” said the Brazilian ambassador to the UN, Ronaldo Costa Filho. “There is no alternative to negotiations to solve the present crisis,” he added.

Costa Filho was also harsh in addressing Russia’s reasons for justifying the attack on the neighboring country. “Security concerns, expressed by the Russian Federation in recent years, particularly in relation to the strategic balance of forces in Europe, do not give Russia the right to threaten the territorial integrity and sovereignty of another state,” he said.

The UN Security Council meeting yesterday was intended to pass a resolution condemning the Russian attack on Ukraine and demanding the immediate withdrawal of troops. The resolution had 11 votes in favor, but failed to pass due to Russia’s veto, a permanent member of the Security Council. China, India, and the United Arab Emirates abstained.

Since Russia is one of the 5 countries with a permanent seat in the Council, it has a veto power and the resolution failed to be approved.

The resolution was drafted by the United States and Albania and in addition to condemning the war launched by Russia, it advocates strong economic sanctions against Vladimir Putin’s country. It also calls for Russia to immediately withdraw troops from Ukrainian territory and to ease access to humanitarian aid to the local population.

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