Brazil’s Lula cancels trip to Russia for BRICS summit after an accident

SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Sunday canceled his trip to Russia for a BRICS summit after an accident at home that left him with a cut on the back of his head, slightly above the neck, his office said.

The 78-year-old leader was scheduled to attend a summit of the BRICS bloc of developing economies in the city of Kazan from Tuesday to Thursday this week.

Hospital Sirio Libanês in Sao Paulo said in a statement that the leftist leader was instructed not to take long distance trips, but can keep his other activities. Doctors Roberto Kalil and Ana Heleno Germoglio said they will regularly check on Lula’s recovery.

Brazil’s presidency said in a separate statement that Lula will take part in the summit by videoconference and will continue his work in capital Brasilia this week. It did not disclose details about what caused the president’s injury.

Local media reported that Lula hit his head after falling in his bathroom Saturday night and was examined in the hospital before he went to bed.

News website G1 said Brazil’s president now has five stitches because of the accident.

Lula had been expected to travel to Russia later Sunday. Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira confirmed he will attend the conference instead.

The Brazilian leader was scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and China’s President Xi Jingping on the sidelines of the summit.