INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Brazil now faces heavy criticism from the U.S
and NATO after officials openly connected Brazilian trade with Russia to rising civilian deaths in Ukraine.At a July meeting, U.S
officials warned that purchasing Russian oil, diesel, and fetilizer lets Moscow keep funding its military actions that have led to more
deaths and destruction.NATO leaders gave Brazil, along with India and China, 50 days to pressure Russia toward peace, or else face potential
tariffs of up to 100% on Russian imports.Official trade data reveals that in 2024 alone, Brazil imported a record $4.5 billion worth of
Russian diesel and $4.2 billion in fertilizers.Russian diesel is cheaper, and Brazil counts on it to meet fuel needs, especially for
farming, transportation, and price stability.The government says these imports are legal and necessary, arguing that affordable energy is
(Photo Internet reproduction)However, U.S
revenues.They insist that continued trade with Moscow helps pay for the military attacks now in their third year
leaders believe that unless countries like Brazil change course, sanctions should follow.Brazil Faces Pressure Over Russian Trade Amid
Tariff ThreatsBrazilian officials reject these threats and argue that their priority is to keep energy prices stable and serve the national
interest.They point to the challenges of domestic supply and the importance of low-cost imports for keeping the economy moving.The threat of
100% tariffs on Russian energy would make fuel far more expensive for Brazilians and disrupt long-standing trade ties
prices, and diplomatic relations for years to come.
