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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Rio de Janeiro: He had to leave the Ilyushin behind

Photo: Silvia Izquierdo/dpa

Since the attack on Ukraine, which violated international law, top Russian politicians have been severely restricted by international sanctions.

This also applies to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

And now had concrete consequences after a meeting with counterparts from the leading economic powers at the G20 meeting in Brazil.

Before his departure from Rio de Janeiro, Lavrov's plane was denied refueling.

This is reported by local media and the specialist website “Aero Telegraph”.

Lavrov actually wanted to fly on to the Brazilian capital Brasilia in his Ilyushin Il-96 after the G20 meeting.

A meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was planned there.

But the kerosene supplier “Vibra Energia” in Brasília refused to refuel Lavrov’s plane.

The Ilyushin would not have had enough fuel for the trip to Brasília and the flight home to Moscow - Lavrov had to abandon his plane and was instead taken by Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, who flew back to Brasília.

Fear of US sanctions

According to media reports, “Vibra Energia” refused to refuel for fear of sanctions.

After the Russian attack on Ukraine, the USA imposed sanctions that also affect companies abroad if they do business with Russia.

The outward flight was already stressful for Lavrov: instead of flying directly from Moscow to Rio, his plane had to fly around European airspace that was closed to him and instead head to South America via Turkey, Morocco and Cuba.

The meeting on site wasn't always pleasant either.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock addressed Lavrov directly and demanded an end to the war in Ukraine.

"If you care about human lives, if you care about your own people, Russian children and young people, you must end this war now," said the Green politician to the Russian who was sitting three seats to her left.

"If Russia were to end this war now, the path to peace and justice tomorrow would be wide open," she added.

mrc/dpa