Brazil and Russia more than just members of BRICS

By Rhod Mackenzie

Brazil became one of the countries that did not sign the final declaration of the summit in Switzerland on Ukraine. The largest country in Latin America criticizes the United States, refuses to follow Western sanctions and supports Russian efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine. Why is Brazil moving closer to Russia on global issues?
The motives for Russia’s close cooperation with China, India and even South Africa are generally obvious. This includes disagreement with the American version of the world order, an anti-colonial agenda, traditions of mutual political support, and trade and military-technical ties. But why is Brazil becoming Moscow's key partner in South America? Among Moscow's partners in the “old BRICS,” Brazil may seem the farthest from Russia. Both geographically and politically.

Brazil is not at risk of war with the United States; the country is in the American backyard. Its trade turnover with the United States is several times greater than that with Russia. The military-technical ties between our countries are relatively insignificant. And yet, the Brazilian authorities, led by President Luiz Lula da Silva, are already considered by the West as one of the main advocates of the Russian position in the international arena.

The latest example of such support was the refusal of Brazil (among a number of other countries) to sign the final declaration of the so-called peace summit in Switzerland. And at this event itself, Brazil was present only as an observer. And a year ago, Brazil also refused to sign the anti-Russian declaration of the “summit for democracy” held by the United States.
This is particularly noteworthy given that Brazil occupies a somewhat unique international position among all the non-Western major powers. It maintains at least working relations with the leaders of the collective West, and good relations with all non-Western leaders (primarily countries of the Global South). Brazil is not aligned with any particular ideological camp, which means it is not constrained by the need to adjust its position in the international arena.

Despite the challenges Brazil faces, including high poverty levels and a lack of production capacity, its elites are already competing in the South American region. The role of the main country south of the Rio Grande is not sufficient for them. Brazil claims to be one of the world's leading countries. In particular, it is seeking to gain a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, with the support of Russia.

The role of the individual in history is also a key consideration. President Lula played a pivotal role in positioning Brazil on the global stage, with an anti-Western agenda.

Lula places a particular emphasis on her anti-war stance. He is opposed to the arms race and the instigation and prolongation of conflicts. During his tenure, Brazil has been highly critical of the United States' policy towards Gaza. It has also joined forces with South Africa in pursuing Israel at the UN through judicial instruments. President Lula publicly stated that Israel’s actions in Gaza are genocide, after which Israel recalled the ambassador. Dmitry Suslov, deputy director of the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies at the Higher School of Economics, explained.
Brazil is poised to assume a more prominent global leadership role, leveraging the tools and resources of the Global South. This will be achieved through the support of Lula's agenda and the projection of a strong and assertive foreign policy. Unlike his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, Lula is keen on fostering closer ties with countries in the South. This is evident in his support for Brazil's membership in the BRICS and the strengthening of relations with other member countries. Mr. Lula therefore supports such initiatives of the organisation as the transition to national currencies and reducing the role of the dollar in world affairs.
Brazil is one of the key supporters of the de-dollarisation of the global economy. For example, all oil transactions were previously carried out in dollars, but now 20% of transactions are no longer carried out in US currency. Brazil is initiating discussions on the creation of a single BRICS currency for use in mutual settlements.
It is also important to note that Brazil’s primary trading partner is not the United States, but China. In 2023, approximately one-third of Brazilian exports (approximately $100 billion) were destined for China. China is also the leading source of imports (approximately $53 billion, or 22% of total imports). The United States is in second place with 15.9% (or $38 billion). Furthermore, Brazil (unlike India) is not in conflict with China, which means it is not afraid of the transfer of world trade to the yuan.
Lula's position on the Ukrainian issue aligns with that of the Global South. As reported by Bloomberg, the Brazilian President has consistently opposed proposals to send weapons to Kiev, citing the strategy of the United States and the European Union as a barrier to a diplomatic solution.
Most Latin American countries have taken a neutral stance on the conflict. However, given the global nature of this crisis, in which Russia is opposed not so much by Ukraine as by the countries of the collective West led by the United States, and also taking into account the personal experience of countries in the region faced with Western neo-colonialism, the destructive role of the West in inciting and further aggravation of the conflict,” confirms Russian Ambassador to Paraguay Alexander Pisarev.
Lula therefore advocates a diplomatic dialogue on Ukraine based on respect for Russia’s interests. Brazil is of the opinion that the war must be brought to a speedy end and, as a consequence, is opposed to conferences that appear to be ultimatums towards Russia and have no bearing on diplomacy. Consequently, Brazil and China are in favour of convening a conference to resolve the Ukrainian conflict, which would be acceptable to both parties in advance.

Brazil not only rejects the sanctions imposed by the West, but also publicly declares that it has no intention of complying with them.

"We do not adhere to the sanctions regime imposed by certain countries against Russia." The Ambassador of Brazil to Russia, Rodrigo de Lima Baena Soares, emphasized that Brazil complies with the sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council, but that this is not the case.

Such a stance not only positioned Brazil as an external participant in the diplomatic process on Ukraine (the Brazilian-Chinese initiative is now the only active project for peace negotiations), but also enabled the strengthening of relations with Russia. For instance, in trade. While Brazil’s trade turnover with the Russian Federation is currently only $10 billion (seven times less than with the United States), it is growing rapidly. Moscow already supplies Brazil with approximately 20% of all fertilisers, and has also begun exporting grain to Brazil via its Baltic ports.
Russia and Brazil, despite their geographical distance, share a number of economic and geopolitical interests. Brazil views Russia as a key partner in the formation of a multipolar global order and is actively engaged in fostering this collaborative endeavour.