Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his re-election as Brazil’s president, pledging closer cooperation between the two countries and continued collaboration through major international organisations.
In a telegram dated October 26, 2026, Putin praised Lula’s contribution to relations between Moscow and Brasília, describing the Brazilian leader as a friend whose electoral victory reflected support for his leadership.
Putin said the result demonstrated public backing for Lula’s approach to socio-economic development and the defence of Brazil’s sovereignty and interests internationally.
Strategic partnership in focus
The Russian leader placed the countries’ strategic partnership at the centre of his message.
“It is difficult to overestimate your personal contribution to strengthening the relations of strategic partnership between Brazil and Russia,” he wrote.
Putin pledged continued work to expand bilateral cooperation across different sectors. He also identified the United Nations, BRICS and the Group of Twenty as platforms through which the two governments would maintain cooperation.
The telegram outlined a commitment to continued engagement rather than announcing a new agreement, investment package or joint programme.
Victory draws international congratulations
Lula defeated Senator Flávio Bolsonaro in Sunday’s presidential runoff, securing another term in office. Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court reported that Lula received 51.79 per cent of valid votes against Bolsonaro’s 48.21 per cent.
Putin’s message added to congratulations from other international leaders following the result.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also welcomed Lula’s re-election, pledging to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation in international forums. In its statement, South Africa’s Presidency highlighted the countries’ shared participation in BRICS and the G20, alongside their commitment to South-South cooperation.
Putin also extended birthday wishes to Lula, wishing him good health, happiness and further success in public office.
The Brazilian president turns 81 on October 27, a day after the telegram. His official biography records his birth on October 27, 1945, in Garanhuns, in Brazil’s northeastern state of Pernambuco.
