Brazils Lula Advocates for Comprehensive Cooperation with Russia During Moscow Visit

During his first trip to Moscow in 15 years, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva proposed extensive collaboration with Russian President Vladimir Putin in areas such as nuclear energy, defense, and space, as reported by the Kremlin on Friday.

Lula was one of over two dozen international leaders who attended the Victory Day military parade in Red Square, which the Kremlin showcased as evidence of ongoing global backing amid its prolonged invasion of Ukraine that began over three years ago.

“My visit today focuses on enhancing our strategic partnership,” Lula conveyed to Putin at the Kremlin, according to a Russian-language summary of their meeting.

He expressed a keen interest in Russia’s small nuclear reactors and indicated that his delegation had prepared joint memorandums regarding cooperation in energy, science, and technology.

“We are looking forward to discussions on military, space, scientific, economic, educational, and especially energy matters,” Lula stated.

The Brazilian president also criticized the global tariff policies implemented by U.S. President Donald Trump, arguing that they undermine free trade, multilateral cooperation, and mutual respect among nations.

In response, Putin commended Brazil for being one of Russia’s largest suppliers of food and pointed out that Russia ranks as Brazil’s primary exporter of oil and fertilizers.

Lula’s visit followed his earlier decision to decline an invitation to attend an event in Russia in June 2023, a snub that Putin attributed to Lula’s «work obligations.»

As a founding member of the BRICS group, which includes Russia, India, China, and South Africa, Brazil plays a significant role in this coalition of emerging economies.

Since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Lula has sought to position himself as a mediator, initiating a coalition of nations aimed at facilitating a negotiated peace.

He faced criticism in 2022 for suggesting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared equal responsibility for the war with Putin.