Lula da Silva on Russia
TL;DR
Lula da Silva seeks strategic partnership with Russia while firmly advocating for a negotiated peace in Ukraine, refusing military aid.
Key Points
He pushed for a balanced trade relationship during his May 2025 visit, noting the current trade volume of about $12.5 billion is unfavorable to Brazil.
He asserted in February 2025 that Brazil will not sell weapons intended to kill Russians, having previously refused a German request for arms to aid Ukraine.
The leaders discussed coordinating efforts within the UN and BRICS to de-escalate tensions globally following a telephone conversation on January 14, 2026.
Summary
Lula da Silva maintains a complex position toward Russia, balancing a desire for a strategic partnership with a firm, non-aligned stance on the conflict in Ukraine. He has emphasized continuing and deepening bilateral ties, highlighting cooperation in key sectors like nuclear energy, space technology, oil, and fertilizers, signing agreements during his visit to Moscow in May 2025. The president views Russia as an important global partner within frameworks like BRICS and asserts Brazil's right to autonomous foreign policy, rejecting what he perceives as Western-promoted divisions of the world into democracies versus autocracies.
Regarding the war, the leader consistently advocates against territorial occupation and strongly opposes supplying weapons to Ukraine, having explicitly told a European leader he would not sell arms to kill Russians. He promotes a diplomatic solution by proposing a 'peace club' of countries, including China and India, to mediate negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow, demonstrating a commitment to dialogue over confrontation. However, this stance—which previously included suggesting both Putin and the Ukrainian president shared blame for the war—has drawn criticism, underscoring his effort to position Brazil as an independent peace enabler amid geopolitical tensions.
Key Quotes
“I will not sell weapons to kill Russians nor to kill anyone,”
“Russia is an important partner for us in areas such as oil, gas and small nuclear reactors, which is an extraordinary novelty, so that we can have guaranteed energy for ever and ever.”
“Brazil has political, commercial, cultural, scientific, and technological interests with Russia,”
Frequently Asked Questions
Lula da Silva firmly opposes the territorial occupation of Ukraine and refuses to sell weapons that could be used to kill Russians. He advocates for peace and dialogue, suggesting a group of nations should mediate negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. He believes pressing military spending should instead be diverted to education, healthcare, and fighting hunger globally.
Yes, his approach has involved a course correction toward reaffirming an autonomous, universalist foreign policy, marked by high-level visits to Moscow. While he has always condemned territorial violation, his willingness to re-engage strategically is evident in the joint development agreements signed in 2025. This contrasts with an initial phase where his foreign policy was perceived as more aligned with the Global North.
During his visit to Moscow, the leader sought to strengthen the strategic partnership, emphasizing cooperation in sensitive high-tech sectors. Specific areas discussed included the supply of small nuclear modular reactors, joint development of space launch vehicles with technology transfer, and trade in oil and gas.
Sources7
Telephone conversation with President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
Brazil's Lula pitches strategic partnership with Russia
Lula emphasizes Brazil's stance on promoting peace between Russia and Ukraine
Lula's visit to Russia signals strategic ties despite Ukraine war
'I will not sell weapons to kill Russians': Brazilian president
The Role of Brazil in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict: A Potential Peace Enabler?
“Long Time No See!”: Why Lula da Silva Visited Moscow Twice in Just One Week
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.