Lula Engages Regional Leaders on Venezuela Crisis Following Maduro's Capture

Regional Diplomacy Intensifies After Venezuelan Events

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva engaged in a series of high-level telephone conversations on Thursday, January 8, 2026, with the leaders of Colombia, Canada, and Mexico. The discussions centered on the rapidly evolving situation in Venezuela, specifically in the wake of a United States military operation on January 3, 2026, which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Lula's diplomatic outreach aimed to coordinate a regional response to what many leaders described as a serious breach of international law and national sovereignty.

Condemnation of US Action and Call for Sovereignty

During his calls with Colombian President Gustavo Petro, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, President Lula underscored a shared concern regarding the use of force. The Brazilian government stated that Lula condemned the seizure of Maduro as a 'serious affront to Venezuela's sovereignty' and a 'flagrant violation of international law' that crossed 'an unacceptable line'. Both Lula and Petro expressed 'great concern about the use of force against a South American country', emphasizing that such actions set a 'dangerous precedent for regional peace and security'.

The leaders advocated for a resolution to the Venezuelan situation through peaceful means, negotiation, and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people. Mexican President Sheinbaum reiterated Mexico's firm opposition to intervention in the internal affairs of other countries, stating that 'intervention has never brought democracy'.

Humanitarian Aid and Future Engagements

In his conversation with President Petro, Lula informed him that Brazil, at Venezuela's request, would dispatch 40 tons of supplies and medicines to replenish stocks affected by the US bombings. The two presidents also welcomed the announcement by Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez regarding the release of a significant number of national and foreign prisoners.

Furthermore, during the call with Prime Minister Carney, the Canadian leader accepted Lula's invitation to visit Brazil in April. This upcoming visit is expected to include discussions on a potential trade deal between Mercosur and Canada, alongside continued talks on global governance and regional stability.

Broader Regional Context

The recent events in Venezuela, including the US military operation, have intensified political debates across Latin America. Lula's diplomatic efforts reflect Brazil's commitment to multilateralism and its role in seeking peaceful resolutions to regional conflicts, particularly in opposing unilateral military interventions. The situation has led to Delcy Rodríguez being sworn in as interim president of Venezuela.