Brazil and Russia: From Political Alignment to Economic Ties

On September 17, 2026, the Valdai Club hosted a presentation in Moscow of the report titled “Brazil-Russia Cooperation: Strategic Guidelines for Overcoming Structural Constraints.” Discussion moderator Oleg Barabanov
noted that the report outlines the achievements of the dynamically developing Brazilian-Russian relationship—at both bilateral and multilateral levels—and sets out future objectives. He described the document not merely as a theoretical study but as a practical text offering feasible, realistic solutions.

Co-author Ana Lívia Esteves, lecturer at the National Research University Higher School of Economics, identified the study’s primary goal as providing an analytical and practical assessment of the current state of relations between Russia and Brazil. The relationship has successfully adapted to the shocks of 2022; trade is performing well, and diplomatic ties are deepening and evolving. However, the question remains of how to move forward and advance to a new stage. “We already have a success story; now it is time to aim for new achievements,” the analyst emphasized. Outlining the dynamics of the bilateral relationship, she noted that it was originally grounded not in trade, but in political affinity—particularly on the international stage and a shared desire to reform the international order. Consequently, political cooperation in international forums was long the key element of the partnership, with trade ties developing only later. Esteves believes that Brazil now faces a significant trade deficit with Russia, which will likely need to be offset by developing other aspects of the relationship, such as technology transfer and scientific cooperation.

Report co-author Marco Fernandes, Brazilian Representative at the BRICS Civil Council, Geopolitical Analyst at the online media Brasil de Fato, editor at the journal Wenhua Zongheng International, noted that this is a crucial moment for Russian-Brazilian relations, given Brazil’s upcoming presidential election. He pointed out that, in light of events concerning Venezuela, the issues of sovereignty and defence have become central for Brazil. While the country previously paid little attention to these matters, events in Latin America and West Asia, combined with aggressive US behaviour, have made it clear that such an approach was mistaken. In Fernandes’s view, this creates an opportunity to expand and strengthen ties with Russia—including in the defence sector—and to step up engagement within the BRICS group. At the same time, the researcher acknowledged that Russia’s image in Brazil leaves much to be desired due to a range of historical factors, including the influence of the US, which has waged decades of propaganda campaigns—first anti-Soviet and later anti-Russian. He views this as a significant challenge that must be addressed and suggests looking to the Chinese experience for guidance on this issue.

Sergio Rodrigues dos Santos, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federative Republic of Brazil to the Russian Federation, analyzed the report’s political recommendations. He emphasized the importance of further developing high-level political coordination as a key component of the relationship, including the continued practice of alternating bilateral meetings between the two capitals and monitoring the implementation of decisions reached at these meetings. “We need to keep pedaling our bicycle,” the diplomat stated. He also noted the need for regular bilateral consultations to coordinate political stances on international issues—including disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation, and relations with NATO countries.

Addressing trade and economic ties, the ambassador pointed to their growth but acknowledged challenges arising from the fact that this expansion is driven primarily by natural resources, resulting in a trade deficit for Brazil. He noted that while this is generally offset by surpluses with other nations, any excessive imbalance would need to be brought down to an acceptable level. Rodrigues dos Santos paid particular attention to investment, noting a lag in this area. He concluded that both countries require a robust infrastructure for their bilateral trade relations. This entails addressing issues related to payments, transport, and regulatory harmonisation, as well as improving Russia’s image among Brazilians—an effort that could be aided by shared values and Brazilian society’s interest in Russian culture. Overall, the diplomat believes that Brazilian-Russian relations rest on a sufficiently solid foundation to remain significant and resilient, regardless of the outcome of Brazil’s upcoming elections.

Boris Perius Zabolotsky, Professor at the Federal University for the Integration of Afro-Brazilian Lusophones (UNILAB), has urged against viewing the interaction between Russia and Brazil solely through a Western lens. Brazil and Russia boast a long-standing relationship, and while certain limitations exist, the two countries have recently been drawing closer. There is economic interdependence that is unlikely to be affected by potential political shifts: Brazilian agriculture relies on Russian fertilizers and diesel fuel, while Brazil serves as a crucial market for Russia, helping it circumvent Western sanctions. At the same time, structural constraints imposed by the hegemon—the United States—affect Brazil and will continue to do so, no matter which government is in power. Washington exerts pressure on regional autonomy, making the diversification of foreign ties particularly important for Brazil, Zabolotsky argues. In this context, relations with Russia and other BRICS nations are part of Brazil’s broader strategy to achieve strategic autonomy.

Valdir da Silva Bezerra, independent researcher, writer, and political analyst, sees potential for defence cooperation between Russia and Brazil. Until recently, the Brazilian military followed the Western models and doctrines, with 80 percent of its defence imports coming from the United States. Consequently, mere declarations of partnership in this area are insufficient; it is necessary to educate the Brazilian armed forces on the importance of diversifying military supplies and cooperation. Commenting on the upcoming elections, the scholar noted that the emphasis on multilateralism reflects President Lula da Silva’s personal stance, whereas his rival Flávio Bolsonaro leans more toward a pro-Western orientation and is friendly with the Trump administration. Should he win, Brazil is unlikely to withdraw from BRICS but would certainly view the group with less enthusiasm.