US has to cease 'encouraging violence' in Ukraine, says Lula

Brazilian President Lula da Silva said that the United States and its allies should focus on promoting peace in Ukraine instead of arming Kiev. He added that world leaders might be able to convince both Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Vladimir Zelensky that "peace is in the interest of the whole world." China has been a key trading partner for Brazil since 2009, and Brazil is the largest single market for Chinese products on the South American continent. Lula's comments on Ukraine, as well as the strengthening of economic ties with Beijing, are likely to draw the attention of Washington.