Following a fall at home, Lula will participate in the summit via videoconference as a precautionary measure.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 78, has canceled his in-person attendance at the Brics summit in Russia following a fall that caused a minor brain haemorrhage. Lula will instead join the summit virtually, with Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira leading the delegation on his behalf.

The incident occurred on Saturday when Lula suffered a significant impact to the back of his head, resulting in a laceration and a small haemorrhage in the temporal-frontal region, according to a statement from the Sirio Libanes hospital in Brasília. The president required stitches and has been advised to avoid long-haul flights while undergoing medical observation.

Dr. Roberto Kalil, Lula’s physician, emphasized the importance of monitoring his condition over the coming days, as brain haemorrhages can potentially worsen. Despite this, Kalil assured that Lula is in good health and capable of performing his presidential duties.

Workers’ Party President Gleisi Hoffmann reported that Lula is in high spirits but will adhere to medical advice to avoid extended air travel. The Brics summit delegation departed on Sunday, marking a shift in plans as Brazil prioritizes the president’s health while maintaining its engagement in international affairs.