BRASÍLIA — Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva held a forty-minute telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday, the presidential office confirmed. According to the statement, Putin shared details of his recent talks with the United States and updated Lula on ongoing peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine. The two leaders also discussed strengthening cooperation within the BRICS bloc and reviewed the current international political and economic landscape.
The conversation comes amid heightened diplomatic activity ahead of Putin’s expected meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump next week. On Friday, the Russian leader held calls with his counterparts in China and India, both BRICS members, as well as several Central Asian and European leaders, briefing them on his contacts with Washington regarding the Ukraine conflict.
Relations between Brazil and the United States have been strained following Trump’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, citing what he called a “witch hunt” against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a political ally. While some exports such as aircraft and orange juice received reduced tariffs, Lula has openly criticized the measure and pushed for a coordinated BRICS response.
Speaking earlier this week, Lula confirmed that he has been in touch with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and plans to consult other BRICS leaders, including South Africa’s president, over a joint course of action. At the July BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Trump threatened to impose an additional 10% tariff on goods from member states.
As the bloc gears up for a collective stance, BRICS leaders are signaling firm opposition to U.S. trade measures and reinforcing their commitment to a multipolar diplomatic approach, one that ties together economic strategy with ongoing international peace initiatives.