Lula shortens G20 talks on Ukraine, frustrating European leaders
At the G20 summit in Brazil, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva cut discussions short on Ukraine, leading to dissatisfaction among European leaders. They wanted stronger language in the final statement regarding Russia's role in the war. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed regret that the communique did not clearly hold Russia accountable for the conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron also noted the statement lacked explicit condemnation of Russia's actions. Lula approved the communique a day early, while key European leaders were absent. Brazil aimed to finalize the statement to avoid the risk of no declaration at all, despite pressure for stronger wording from France and Germany.