Diverging Paths: Lula and Macron’s Stances on Ukraine
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Amsterdam, June, 8th, 2025 – During his visit to Paris, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva reaffirmed his support for a peace initiative jointly proposed by China and Brazil to mediate the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The six-point plan, which calls for non-escalation, humanitarian assistance, and an international peace conference, has been met with skepticism from Ukraine and its Western allies, as it does not explicitly demand the withdrawal of Russian troops.
Emmanuel Macron with Selenski
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron has taken a starkly different approach. Macron continues to advocate for military support to Ukraine, warning that Russia’s victory would destabilize Europe. While he has not committed to sending French troops directly into combat, he has hinted at providing security guarantees to Ukraine after a ceasefire. His stance has drawn criticism from Moscow, which questions France’s sincerity in peace efforts.
Can BRICS Mediate Peace?
The BRICS alliance—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has positioned itself as a counterweight to Western influence and has increasingly sought to play a role in global conflict resolution. Lula has urged the United Nations to take the lead in assembling a neutral commission to mediate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. His proposal suggests that a group of non-aligned nations could engage both Kyiv and Moscow in dialogue, offering a compromise that neither side fully wins but that could end hostilities.
Lula meets Macron
At the recent BRICS summit, leaders including China’s Xi Jinping and India’s Narendra Modi echoed calls for de-escalation, emphasizing that the war must not expand further. However, skepticism remains over whether BRICS can truly influence the conflict, given Russia’s deep involvement and Ukraine’s reliance on Western military aid.
The Waning U.S. Support for Zelensky
As the war drags on, U.S. support for Ukraine has begun to falter. Former President Donald Trump has sent experts to audit Ukraine’s spending of U.S. military aid, raising concerns about corruption within Zelensky’s administration. Trump’s administration has paused military assistance to Ukraine, citing the need for greater transparency and accountability.
Marjorie Taylor Greene unveils resolution to audit Ukraine aid funds
Additionally, Trump has repeatedly questioned the amount of aid sent to Ukraine, claiming that Europe has contributed far less than the U.S.. His push for an audit has fueled speculation that Washington may scale back its financial and military commitments, potentially leaving Ukraine in a precarious position.
Conclusion: A Shifting Global Landscape
With Macron pushing for continued military support, Lula advocating for peace talks, and Trump scrutinizing aid to Ukraine, the geopolitical landscape surrounding the war is shifting. While BRICS could play a role in mediation, its success depends on whether Russia and Ukraine are willing to engage in genuine negotiations. Meanwhile, U.S. hesitation in supporting Ukraine could reshape the conflict, forcing Kyiv to reconsider its strategy.
As the world watches, the question remains: Will diplomacy prevail, or will the war continue to escalate?
