Lula to Reach Out to Trump Over Venezuela Military Concerns

Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has announced his intention to reach out to former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the escalating military presence of the United States near Venezuela. During a press conference following the recent G20 summit in South Africa, Lula expressed his deep concern about the potential for increased regional instability in South America.

“I’m very concerned about the military apparatus the U.S. has deployed in the Caribbean Sea,” Lula stated. He emphasized the urgency of addressing the situation, noting, “I intend to talk to President Trump about it, because it’s worrying me.” The increase in U.S. military operations has drawn sharp criticism from various Latin American nations, who fear it could provoke further tensions in an already volatile region.

Lula highlighted Brazil’s responsibility to maintain peace in South America, asserting, “There’s absolutely no reason to have a war right now. We must not repeat the mistake made in the war between Russia and Ukraine.” He advocates for diplomatic solutions rather than military escalation, urging that dialogue must precede any increase in hostilities.

The U.S. has intensified its military strikes against alleged drug trafficking operations originating from Venezuela. This response has alarmed several governments within Latin America, which worry that it could lead to broader conflicts. Lula is particularly focused on preserving regional stability, calling for a concerted effort among South American nations to ensure that the area remains a zone of peace.

Earlier discussions between Lula and Trump took place during a meeting in Malaysia on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in late October 2025. During that meeting, Lula proposed to act as a mediator in talks with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to facilitate a peaceful resolution to ongoing tensions.

As Lula prepares for this critical conversation with Trump, the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, raising questions about the future of U.S.-Latin America relations and the stability of the region as a whole. Observers are watching closely to see how this dialogue unfolds and whether it can lead to a reduction in military tensions.