Lula to Contact Trump Over U.S. Military Buildup Near Venezuela

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced plans to reach out to former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the escalating military presence of the United States near Venezuela. Lula expressed his concerns during a press conference following the G20 Summit in South Africa, cautioning that this military buildup could potentially destabilize the entire South American region.

Lula highlighted his unease about the “military apparatus the U.S. has deployed in the Caribbean Sea,” stating, “I intend to talk to President Trump about it, because it’s worrying me.” His remarks come in the context of increased U.S. military operations targeting alleged drug trafficking operations emanating from Venezuela, a move that has drawn criticism from various Latin American governments.

Maintaining regional peace is a central focus for Lula. He emphasized that South America must remain a peaceful zone, underscoring Brazil’s role in preserving stability. “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 stated. Lula insisted that diplomatic solutions should be prioritized to prevent any further escalation of tensions.

Lula and Trump previously discussed the Venezuelan situation during their meeting in Malaysia at the end of October 2025, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit. During that encounter, Lula offered Brazil’s assistance in mediating talks with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. His commitment to a peaceful resolution reflects a broader desire among several nations in the region to avoid military conflict.

The Brazilian leader’s planned conversation with Trump underscores both the urgency and complexity of the situation in Venezuela, where political and economic instability continues to pose challenges not only for its citizens but for neighboring countries as well. Lula’s proactive stance aims to foster diplomatic engagement and avert a potential crisis that could have far-reaching consequences for South America.