Brazil appeals for immediate halt of Russia–Ukraine conflict

Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Relations this morning (Feb. 24) issued a note to the press stating it has watched “with great concern” the launch of military operations by Russia against targets in the Ukrainian territory.

“Brazil appeals for the immediate suspension of hostilities and the beginning of negotiations leading to a diplomatic solution to the issue, founded on the Minsk Agreements and taking into account the legitimate security interests of all parties involved as well as the protection of the civilian population,” the note reads.

Signed in 2014 by representatives from Ukraine, Russia, the Donetsk People’s Republic, and the Luhansk People’s Republic, the Minsk Agreements aim to end the war in Eastern Ukraine.

Also according to the note, “as a member of the United Nations Security Council, Brazil remains engaged in multilateral discussions with a view to a peaceful solution, in line with Brazil’s diplomatic tradition and in defense of solutions guided by the Charter of the United Nations and international law, especially the principles of non-intervention, sovereignty, and the territorial integrity of states and peaceful settlement of disputes.”

Backdrop

In the early hours today, the Russian Army confirmed shelling on Ukrainian territory, but guaranteed the attacks target Ukrainian air bases and other military areas only, not populated regions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the military operation is intended to protect civilians of Russian ethnicity in Donetsk and Luhansk, whose independence he recognized Monday.