Sergei Lavrov’s meeting with Brazilian President Lula da Silva almost fell through due to the refusal of the Brazilian company Vibra Energia to refuel the plane of the head of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
How tells AeroTelegraph edition, after the G20 meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Lavrov was supposed to fly to the Brazilian capital, where a meeting with the country’s president was planned, but the Russian diplomat was denied refueling of the government Il-96 aircraft. Lavrov had to fly with the head of the Brazilian Foreign Ministry.
The publication notes that Vibra Energia refused to refuel Lavrov’s plane due to the risk of falling under secondary US sanctions. Without additional refueling, the Russian government Il-76 would not have enough fuel for the onward flight to Casablanca (Morocco), where it will be refueled again, and then fly to Russia on routes that bypass European airspace.
The Brazilian government consulted with the Brazilian Air Force about the availability of aviation kerosene at Galeão Air Base, but the military reported that it was insufficient. After the final refusal to refuel, the Brazilian side invited Lavrov to leave his Il-76 in Rio de Janeiro and fly to the capital, boarding the plane of Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira as a “fellow traveler.” Subsequently, the same plane will return Lavrov to Rio.
On the evening of February 22, Russian media reported that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov nevertheless flew to Brasilia. Details are not provided.
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