Brazil downgraded its diplomatic relations with Argentina to the chargé d'affaires level. Brazil's Foreign Ministry notified Argentina's Ambassador to Brasilia, Daniel Raimondi, of the decision in writing. According to a report by O Globo newspaper, the move comes after Argentine President Javier Milei's recent criticism targeting Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and other Brazilian officials.
At the same time, Brazil recalled its Ambassador to Buenos Aires, Julio Bitelli, to the capital Brasilia for consultations. According to the newspaper, Bitelli is not expected to return to Argentina until the diplomatic dispute is resolved. Brazil did not announce that it had severed relations with Argentina or closed its embassy, but the move is considered one of the strongest diplomatic responses to the Milei government so far.
Argentina, meanwhile, reacted to the decision. In a statement to La Nacion newspaper, Argentina's Foreign Ministry expressed regret over Brazil's decision to downgrade bilateral diplomatic relations. The statement said, "We regret that Brazil continues to isolate itself from the rest of the region for purely ideological reasons."