Russia discusses peace process in Ukraine with Brazil and China

(Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that Russia was open to talks on the Ukraine issue during a phone call with his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the Kremlin said.

“I reaffirmed my willingness to hold discussions with both sides to establish peace with India, Indonesia and China,” the Brazilian president wrote on Twitter.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov received Li Hui, a Chinese envoy, in Moscow on Friday.

Russia has repeatedly indicated it is open to peace talks with Ukraine and has welcomed mediation efforts by Brazil and China.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said that Sergei Lavrov praised China’s “balanced position” and willingness to play a positive role during his meeting with Li Hui.

(Reporting by Kevin Liffey; French edition edited by Camille Renaud, Tangi Salon)