Brazil tried to soften UN Security Council resolution against Russia

Moments after Russia had launched a full-scale invasion against Ukraine, a senior official within the Brazilian Foreign Affairs Ministry flinched when asked by The Brazilian Report if the country would back a UN Security Council resolution, drafted by the U.S. and Albania, condemning the actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

The Ministry had instructed the Brazilian mission to the UN to negotiate a “softer” version of the text.

As Latin America’s biggest country and a non-permanent member of the Security Council, Brazil has been asked to side with Western powers and isolate Mr. Putin. But the country’s official statements on the matter have been neutral — a stance Brasília aims to hold as long as possible. Just last week, Mr. Bolsonaro visited Moscow and expressed “solidarity” with Russia, without clarifying what this might entail.

The government official in question told The Brazilian Report that Brazil was seeking a “balanced resolution” that would be “effectively adopted.” But Russia’s permanent seat on the council grants it veto power on resolutions —...