Zelenskiy Backs Lula’s Peace Initiative as Ukraine Seeks New Diplomatic Path to End War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has agreed to support a new peace initiative proposed by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, signaling a renewed diplomatic effort to help end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

The agreement came after Zelenskiy and Lula met during the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Evian-les-Bains, France. According to Ukrainian presidential communications adviser Dmytro Lytvyn, the two leaders discussed possible ways to revive stalled diplomatic negotiations and explore new channels for peace talks.

Lula reportedly suggested several diplomatic measures, including engaging the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. These members include the United States, France, Britain, Russia, and China. The Brazilian leader believes broader international involvement could help create momentum toward a negotiated settlement.

Lytvyn said both presidents agreed to pursue these ideas through diplomatic contacts and later evaluate the outcomes. The move marks a notable shift, as Lula recently stated that previous offers by Brazil to facilitate peace discussions had not gained Zelenskiy’s support. Following their latest meeting, however, Ukraine appears more open to Brazil’s mediation efforts.

The renewed push for diplomacy comes as earlier U.S.-backed peace negotiations failed to make progress. Russia continued to demand additional territorial concessions from Ukraine, a condition Kyiv has repeatedly rejected. Zelenskiy has also urged U.S. President Donald Trump to reengage in mediation efforts and help arrange a direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, although Moscow has so far ruled out such talks.

Lula said he has already spoken with the leaders of all five permanent Security Council members and plans to continue those discussions. His efforts could provide an alternative diplomatic track as international attempts to broker peace face growing challenges.

Ukraine has recently intensified efforts to revive diplomatic negotiations, especially as U.S.-led peace initiatives have slowed amid global attention shifting toward the conflict involving Iran. The latest development highlights Kyiv’s search for new international partners capable of advancing meaningful peace talks and ending more than four years of war with Russia.