In brief
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has had to cancel his trip to Russia for the upcoming Brics summit following a head injury he suffered at home on Saturday. The 78-year-old was expected to embark on his journey for the meeting, which unites major developing nations including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. A hospital in Brasília has recommended he refrain from long-distance travel for a period, leading him to participate in the discussions via video link instead.
According to the Sírio-Libanês Hospital, although Lula received advice against flying, he is cleared to carry out other activities. Reports indicate that he has a laceration on the back of his head and is under medical observation. His office confirmed that while details of his injury remain undisclosed, he will attend the summit from Brasília and continue with his duties. Lula initially went home on Saturday after getting five stitches but returned to the hospital on Sunday morning for a follow-up. The timing of his trip was critical, as it would have marked his first in-person meeting with President Vladimir Putin this year. Notably, Putin himself recently stated he would not attend the G20 summit in Brazil next month, citing concerns that his presence could "disrupt" the event, although he claimed that the ICC warrant for his arrest was not a reason. The Brics group serves as an alternative platform to the G7, founded 15 years ago with Brazil, Russia, India, China, and later South Africa, and has since included additional emerging markets like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE. The summit is scheduled to take place in Kazan, Russia, from Tuesday through Thursday, continuing its mission to enhance cooperation among emerging economies amidst a changing global landscape.
