Russia's Nikolai Patrushev visits Brazil to deepen defence, energy and tech ties

Russian presidential adviser Nikolai Patrushev, a former FSB director and security council secretary, spent two days in Brazil meeting President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and senior officials in Brasília and Rio de Janeiro. The delegation included Defence Minister José Múcio, Foreign Ministry adviser Celso Amorim, Navy commander Admiral Marcos Olsen and Itamaraty secretary‑general Maria Laura da Rocha.

Patrushev and Lula discussed expanding cooperation on energy, science and naval technology. Topics covered Russia’s experience with small nuclear reactors and possible support for Brazil’s Álvaro Alberto nuclear‑submarine programme, as well as Russian solar‑powered catamaran technology for Amazon river transport. Trade was also highlighted, with Brazil seeking greater diesel and fertilizer exports to Russia. The Kremlin praised Brazil’s willingness to help find a diplomatic solution to the war in Ukraine, echoing a recent phone call between Lula and President Vladimir Putin.

No concrete agreements were announced, but the talks signalled a push to broaden Brazil‑Russia collaboration in defence, nuclear energy and maritime projects.