RIO DE JANEIRO, April 7. /TASS/. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Friday criticized the United States and the European Union for their reluctance to search for a peace solution of the Ukrainian crisis.

"We believe that developed nations, particularly the European Union and the United States, should not have rushed to join the conflict so quickly, without taking due time for negotiations. It is very hard to conduct peace negotiations," he told reporters.

He stressed that his country supports "territorial integrity of all countries" and does not support Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine.

In his opinion, "it takes courage" to begin peace talks.

"Help from someone on the outside is needed. I’m sure that both Ukraine and Russia are waiting for an invitation for negotiations from someone on the outside," the Brazilian president added.

Last month, Lula da Silva said Russia was a guarantor of lasting peace in the world. Earlier, he said that the current mediators "have nothing to offer" to the parties to the conflict in Ukraine and suggested a new international format be established to create groundwork for talks between Moscow and Kiev. He also said he was ready to act as a mediator in direct talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart, Vladimir Zelensky.