"Biden and Putin were mistaken": the President of Brazil made a statement about the war in Ukraine.
Lula da Silva noted that Brazil did not support the RF, but instead supports negotiations (from an interview with Brazilian President Lula da Silva for El Pais).
According to da Silva, at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, both sides and their allies had illusions about a quick victory. He noted that U.S. President Joseph Biden was counting on the swift destruction of Russia, while Russian dictator Vladimir Putin hoped for the immediate capture of Ukraine.
'Biden thought he would soon destroy Russia. And Russia thought it would soon destroy Ukraine. They were mistaken. The war has been going on for four years (full-scale war),' emphasized the President of Brazil.
Lula da Silva noted that the war has been going on for four years, causing colossal human casualties and financial losses. He once again emphasized Brazil's position: the country has never recognized Russia's right to invade, but only sees a way out through diplomacy.
Da Silva also expressed doubt that hostilities would cease anytime soon without external intervention in the form of negotiations, as currently neither side has achieved its goals.
Brazil for negotiations
Back in September 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Brazilian President da Silva in New York. They discussed methods to achieve peace in Ukraine.
Not long before that, da Silva stated that Russia's war against Ukraine is 'close to ending.' In his opinion, Zelensky and Putin are just waiting for the moment when they have 'enough courage to announce' the end of the war. A day before the meeting, the Brazilian leader emphasized that Russia's war against Ukraine must be stopped through negotiations.