Today, the Permanent Representative held a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Brazil to Ukraine, Rafael de Mello Vidal, who presented his credentials to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in October this year.

During the meeting, the Ambassador emphasized Brazil’s firm stance with a clear message: “Crimea is Ukraine.” Rafael de Mello Vidal affirmed Brazil’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and its efforts to restore a just and lasting peace.

The Permanent Representative discussed the criminal practices of the occupiers in Crimea since 2014, which Russia has now extended to newly occupied territories in Ukraine, including militarization, detentions, and kidnappings.

 “Russia aims to destroy our state and colonize our territories. The aggressor state does not seek peace; it devastates Ukrainian cities and takes lives. Ukraine, on the other hand, is committed to achieving a just peace, one that leaves no room for territorial concessions or compromises. Nearly 90% of Ukrainian citizens agree that Crimea must be liberated, and our territorial integrity restored,” emphasized the Permanent Representative.

Tamila Tasheva noted that Ukraine is liberating not only its land but also its people. She also highlighted Ukraine’s recent successes in the Black Sea, particularly the lifting of the blockade on Black Sea ports. Regaining control over much of the Black Sea, especially its western parts, has enabled Ukraine to end Russia’s blockade on some ports and resume maritime trade and grain shipments to numerous countries worldwide.

During the working meeting, both sides acknowledged the importance and role of cultural diplomacy in Brazil-Ukraine bilateral relations, as well as enhancing efforts to counter Russian propaganda. Additionally, the Permanent Representative shared that preparations are underway for the upcoming second international conference, Crimea Global. Understanding Ukraine through the South, which will be held soon in Kyiv.