Lula Warns Against Armed Intervention in Venezuela

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva criticized U.S. military actions towards Venezuela, calling such an intervention a humanitarian catastrophe. The statement came during a South American summit as tensions rose following U.S. sanctions on Venezuelan oil, prompting Lula and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to urge restraint.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva issued a stern warning on Saturday against military intervention in Venezuela, labeling such an action as a humanitarian catastrophe.

The comments come as U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a blockade on Venezuelan oil tankers, escalating pressure on President Nicolas Maduro's government, while previous calls for restraint from Lula and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum have seemingly gone unheeded.

Speaking at the Mercosur summit in Foz do Iguaçu, Lula emphasized the dangerous precedent set by extra-regional military involvement, likening the situation to historical conflicts involving foreign powers in South America.

(With inputs from agencies.)