Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva received a phone call on Saturday (9) from Russian President Vladimir Putin, lasting about 40 minutes.
According to a statement from the Palácio do Planalto (Brazil’s presidential palace), the leaders discussed efforts toward peace between Russia and Ukraine. Putin informed his Brazilian counterpart about talks between the Kremlin and the White House.
In a separate press release, the Kremlin’s press service said the presidents discussed Putin’s recent meeting with Steven Witkoff, the U.S. president’s special envoy to Russia. “The heads of state confirmed their mutual commitment to further strengthening the Russian–Brazilian strategic partnership, as well as cooperation within the Brics framework,” the Russian statement read.
During the conversation, Lula reiterated that Brazil has consistently defended dialogue as the path to address the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. “President Lula stressed that Brazil has always supported dialogue and the search for a peaceful solution, and reaffirmed that his government is available to contribute in any way necessary, including within the framework of the Group of Friends for Peace, launched at the initiative of Brazil and China,” the presidential office stated.
Context
The call took place as the United States began imposing 50% tariffs on Brazilian products, a move that included nearly 700 exceptions. At the same time, U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose severe tariffs on Russia and its partners unless Moscow shows progress toward peace in Ukraine.
Paradoxically, a meeting between Putin and Trump is expected next friday in Alaska, which could mark a diplomatic step forward despite Washington’s ongoing threats toward Brics countries. It will be the first encounter between Putin and a U.S. president since June 2021.
