Nikolai Patrushev visits Brasília amid Russian energy and security ties

Nikolai Patrushev, identified by Western officials as a key figure in the Kremlin, held unrecorded meetings with Brazilian civil and military ministries in Brasília. This visit occurs amid heightened diplomatic tensions between Brazil and the United States regarding allegations of electoral interference.

The relationship involves significant economic and security dimensions. Russia currently accounts for 63% of Brazil's diesel imports. Investigations, such as Operation Carbono Oculto, have highlighted the use of a “ghost fleet” of 32 ships to move over R$ 6.2 billion in sanctioned Russian diesel into the country through masked routes.

Beyond energy, the reports suggest Brazil has been utilized in Russian hybrid warfare strategies, including the use of the territory for identity laundering by Russian intelligence agents and the recruitment of Brazilian citizens for the conflict in Ukraine.