Brazil’s diplomatic reset continues as Lula seeks to balance ties with China, Russia, and the US.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s visit to Brasília marks the latest chapter in a series of diplomatic encounters that are likely to rattle the United States. Lavrov’s arrival coincides with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s return from a state visit to China, underscoring a broader diplomatic shift Lula has been driving since reclaiming power earlier this year.

Lula’s efforts are focused on rebuilding Brazil’s international reputation, which had been strained under his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, who distanced Brazil from global cooperation. The visit from Lavrov, like Lula’s recent trip to China and his offer to mediate in the Ukraine conflict, signals a strong commitment to a balanced, multilateral foreign policy, even if it causes unease in Washington.

For Brazil, this approach is seen as essential for re-establishing connections with all key global partners, regardless of the geopolitical tensions elsewhere. “To return to international politics, Brazil must have positive relationships with all countries,” said Rubens Duarte, coordinator at Mundolab, a Brazil-based research centre for international relations. This strategy aligns with Brazil’s longstanding commitment to multilateralism and offers pragmatic benefits, considering that its primary trading partners are China and the US, while it also depends on Russia for vital fertiliser imports.