Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has offered to mediate between the United States and Venezuela to prevent armed conflict in Latin America. He told reporters that violence would not resolve the crisis and said he may speak with President Trump again before Christmas to press for diplomacy. The offer comes amid US strikes, a naval deployment, sanctions and a blockade, while Venezuela accuses Washington of seeking regime change.
Lula Offers to Broker US–Venezuela Talks to Prevent Armed Conflict
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva says he is 'very worried' about the mounting crisis between Venezuela and the United States (Sergio Lima)(Sergio Lima/AFP/AFP)
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said he is willing to mediate between the United States and Venezuela to avert an armed conflict in Latin America. Speaking to reporters, Lula described Brazil as "very worried" about escalating tensions between Caracas and Washington and reiterated his readiness to help find a diplomatic solution.
The former union leader said he had already told US President Donald Trump that "things wouldn't be resolved by shooting," and that it would be better for the parties "to sit down around a table to find a solution." Lula said he has offered Brazil's assistance to both sides and may speak with Trump again before Christmas to press for negotiations and a peaceful outcome.
Rising Tensions
The Trump administration has accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of leading a drug-trafficking cartel. In recent weeks, Washington has conducted strikes on vessels it says were linked to drug trafficking, seized an oil tanker, imposed sanctions on members of Maduro's inner circle and mounted a major military deployment off Venezuela's coast. US officials also announced a blockade on designated "sanctioned oil vessels" bound for or leaving Caracas.
Maduro has denied those allegations and argues that the US campaign is aimed at regime change rather than solely combating drugs. Lula voiced concern about possible hidden motives behind the US actions, asking, "It can't just be about overthrowing Maduro. What are the other interests that we don't yet know about?" He suggested possibilities such as oil or strategic minerals but said the motives had not been made clear.
"I am at the disposal of both Venezuela and the US to contribute to a peaceful solution on our continent," Lula said, emphasizing Brazil's interest in avoiding a "fratricidal war" in Latin America.
Observers say Lula's offer reflects Brazil's regional role and a broader concern among Latin American leaders that direct confrontation between the United States and Venezuela could destabilize the region. Lula framed his initiative as a push for diplomacy over military action and urged transparency about the aims behind international pressure on Caracas.
