Brazil and China, both founding members of the BRICS group alongside Russia, India, and South Africa, have proposed a joint peace plan aimed at ending hostilities in Ukraine, Mercopress reported.

This initiative has received contrasting responses from the key parties involved in the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the plan as "destructive," asserting that countries must choose between supporting the war or helping to stop Russia.

Zelensky emphasised his openness to discussing peace proposals with Chinese and Brazilian leaders but maintained a firm stance on the need for active support against Russian aggression.

In response to criticism, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, without directly referencing Zelensky's comments, suggested that those seeking dialogue now could have done so before the war's onset.

Lula reiterated Brazil's desire for peace and its strategic decision to remain neutral in the conflict, highlighting Brazil's growing global importance beyond its economic strengths.

The Brazil-China peace plan, introduced in May 2023, outlines six key points:

1. Non-escalation and avoidance of provocations by both sides

2. An international peace conference accepted by both Russia and Ukraine

3. Increased humanitarian assistance and prisoner exchanges

4. Efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation and crises

5. Opposition to attacks on nuclear facilities

6. Enhanced international cooperation to maintain global supply chains

Moscow has expressed openness to Brazil and China as potential intermediaries for peace talks. While both countries have officially maintained neutrality, China's economic support for Russia has been notable amidst tensions with the US and NATO.

Last week, Lula said his Ukrainian colleague Zelensky should take Brazil’s advice and seek a peace negotiation with Moscow, Mercopress also reported.