Brazil Declines German Ammunition Request For Ukraine

Facts

• During a visit from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Brazilian Pres. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Monday rejected Berlin's reported request to supply Ukraine with ammunition for the German Gepard air defense system.
• At a joint press conference, Lula stated that Russia had made a "classic mistake" by invading Ukrainian territory and claimed neither side was showing sufficient commitment to peace negotiations. Brazil, he added, is taking a neutral stance, cooperating with other countries to end the conflict.
• Wrapping up his visit on Tuesday, the German chancellor stressed that it remains the right decision to support Ukraine not only by humanitarian means but also with arms deliveries.
• According to Scholz, Russia's invasion of Ukraine is not just an internal European issue but amounts to a "blatant violation of international law" that undermines the foundations of international cooperation and peace.
• Following the meeting with Scholz, Brazil’s left-wing president proposed creating a "club of countries“ to promote international peace, including countries such as China, India, and Indonesia, and highlighted Beijing's role in mediating peace talks.
• Brazil was the last leg of Scholz's South American trip, with previous stops in Chile and Argentina, where Pres. Alberto Fernández stated at a joint press conference that "Latin America" rejects arms deliveries to Ukraine. In 2022, the three countries condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine at the UN General Assembly.

Sources: Reuters, Euractiv, Bloomberg, Politico, TeleSUR English, and Latin America News.

Narratives

• Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Time. Lula is expressing what much of the Global South is thinking, which is that the West's narrative about the Ukraine war is distorted. Yes, it is Russia that invaded Ukraine, but the conflict has more than one culprit. If the West really had an interest in peace, it would have taken Russia's security interests seriously. The only way to end the Ukraine conflict is through negotiations, but the West and Zelenskyy have chosen to pour oil on the fire.
• Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by The Washington Post. While Scholz was promoting support for Ukraine on his South American trip, Lula served as a mouthpiece for Russian propaganda by claiming that Kyiv and the West are as much to blame for the Ukraine war as Russia. It may be justified to criticize the West for its selective condemnation of injustice, but defending an imperialist and dictator like Putin is beyond the pale. By his stance, Lula has lost all moral credibility.