Brazilian President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva stood out as the only leader from a major democracy to attend Russias Victory Day parade on May 9, 2025.Nearly 30 world leaders joined Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinas Xi Jinping in Moscow, but most hailed from authoritarian regimes or Russias traditional allies.European Union leaders, except Slovakias prime minister, and the United States stayed away, underscoring the diplomatic isolation Russia faces from the West following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.Lulas presence sent a clear message: Brazil will not join efforts to isolate Russia diplomatically.
Instead, Lula used the occasion to reaffirm Brazils independent foreign policy and its commitment to economic interests above ideological alliances.He met with Putin for bilateral talks, focusing on strategic cooperation in energy, trade, defense, and technology.
Brazils delegation included ministers responsible for mines, energy, and science, highlighting the practical, mercantile focus of the visit.Lulas Support for Putin at Moscow Victory Parade Highlights Brazils Diplomatic Autonomy.
(Photo Internet reproduction)Brazils economic ties with Russia have grown, especially in critical sectors.
Russia now supplies 65% of Brazils diesel imports, up from less than 1% in 2021.Brazil Maintains Neutrality in Russia-Ukraine ConflictIn 2024, Brazil paid Russia nearly $10 billion for 6.5 million tons of diesel, a figure that represents about one-tenth of Russias total defense budget.
Russian fertilizers also remain vital for Brazils powerful agribusiness sector.Trade between the two countries reached $12.4 billion in 2024, but the balance heavily favors Russia, leaving Brazil with a $9.5 billion deficit.
Lulas government has maintained neutrality since Russias invasion of Ukraine.Brazil abstained from votes to suspend Russia from UN human rights bodies and refused to supply weapons to Ukraine.
Lula has repeatedly said he will not sell arms to kill Russians.This stance has frustrated Ukraine, which recently withdrew its ambassador from Braslia and left the embassy under a charg daffaires until at least 2026.Lulas attendance at the parade drew criticism at home and abroad, especially as he stood alongside leaders from Venezuela and Cuba.
However, it also demonstrated Brazils willingness to engage with emerging powers and maintain autonomy from Western pressure.Lulas government views this independence as essential for Brazils regional leadership and economic security.
Brazils approach reflects a broader skepticism toward Western-led calls for diplomatic isolation.Many in Brazil see such demands as hypocritical, given past Western actions in conflicts like Iraq and Libya.
Lulas strategy aims to hedge Brazils bets in a world of shifting power dynamics, keeping doors open to both East and West.By joining Putin on Red Square, Lula underscored Brazils refusal to let external pressure dictate its foreign policy.
The move highlights a pragmatic focus on economic interests and regional influence, even as it strains relations with Western allies and Ukraine.