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Jair Bolsonaro is facing backlash at home and abroad over his decision to visit Russia for trade talks with Vladimir Putin.
Two officials from Brazil’s foreign ministry told Associated Press that they have received messages from US officials saying the trip’s timing is inopportune and conveys Brazilian indifference to threats of invasion.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity for lack of authorisation to speak publicly, AP said.
A US state department official, meanwhile, issued a statement on Monday night US time that appeared to accept the meeting would go ahead.
As democratic leaders, the United States and Brazil have a responsibility to stand up for democratic principles and the rules-based order. We hope Brazil will take this opportunity to reinforce this message in their conversations in Moscow.
At least two of Bolsonaro’s Cabinet ministers, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, said privately they have been trying since last week to convince him to call off the trip.
They said Bolsonaro sees potential benefits for a possible reelection bid because he can show proximity to fellow conservative leaders abroad.
Bolsonaro's decision to visit Putin next week can largely be explained by domestic factors: Bolsonaro would like to show that he is not isolated. But the trip is also in line with previous Brazilian presidents' commitment to withstanding Western pressure to criticize Moscow 🧵👇
— Oliver Stuenkel 🇧🇷 (@OliverStuenkel) February 12, 2022
