São Paulo [Brazil], December 4 (ANI): President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed deep concern over the possibility of U.S. military intervention in Venezuela during a recent phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, according to Brazilian daily O Estado de S. Paulo, as reported by Brasil 247. The report, later confirmed by Brasil 247 through a source familiar with the exchange, says Lula once again advocated a diplomatic, negotiated solution to the standoff between Washington and Caracas — a position he has consistently emphasized in recent months.
According to Brasil 247, Lula warned that any form of military operation could trigger serious “collateral effects,” including regional destabilization, a worsening humanitarian crisis, increased migration flows and even the risk of civil conflict. He noted that such consequences would inevitably spill over into Brazil, Colombia and other neighboring countries, intensifying tensions across South America.
The report further states that Lula reaffirmed the need for a peaceful resolution to the Venezuelan crisis. Trump, however, offered no clear indication of his intentions, leaving open the possibility of military action or continued negotiations with President Nicolas Maduro’s government.
Officials close to Lula believe the United States would face significant international pushback, noting that the European Union, Russia and China are unlikely to support any intervention. Within the Brazilian government, there is a prevailing view that the U.S. position is driven largely by its strategic interest in Venezuela’s substantial oil reserves.
Lula also used the call to brief Trump for the first time on Brazil’s recent efforts to combat organized crime. He highlighted Federal Police operations targeting the financial networks of groups such as the Carbono Oculto faction. Trump reportedly expressed interest in deeper bilateral cooperation to dismantle these criminal organizations.
The 40-minute conversation took place while Lula was visiting the Abreu e Lima refinery in Pernambuco. Lula welcomed the U.S. decision to lift a 40 percent surcharge on key Brazilian exports but urged Trump to accelerate ongoing tariff-reduction talks that still affect a significant share of Brazil’s trade. Although Trump responded cordially, he offered no concrete commitments. Nonetheless, aides in Brasília viewed the exchange as a sign that he had subtly stepped back. (ANI)
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