Lula Condemns U.S. Venezuela Operation in New York Times Op-Ed

Overview

• In the essay, Lula calls the Jan. 3 bombings in Venezuela and the capture of Nicolás Maduro a lamentable step in the erosion of international law and postwar multilateral norms.
• He warns that routine reliance on force by major powers undermines the UN and its Security Council and endangers global peace, security and stability.
• Lula says only an inclusive, Venezuelan-led political process can produce a democratic, sustainable future, noting Brazil’s work on border security and support for displaced Venezuelans.
• Despite the condemnation, he underscores Brazil’s constructive dialogue with the United States and urges cooperation on investment, trade and combating organized crime.
• Recent polling reports mixed views in Brazil on both the U.S. action and Lula’s reaction, as coverage highlights a broader regional shift toward right-leaning leaders shaping the political context.