Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has expressed profound alarm over the United States' escalating military presence in the Caribbean Sea, perilously close to Venezuela's borders. Speaking candidly to reporters in Johannesburg following the G20 summit on November 24, 2025, Lula highlighted his intention to directly engage with incoming US President Donald Trump to address these tensions and prevent a potential armed confrontation.
The US deployment includes a formidable aircraft carrier strike group, additional naval warships, and advanced stealth aircraft, signaling a heightened state of readiness in the region. This military buildup coincides with recent US operations that have targeted over 20 suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific since September, resulting in more than 80 casualties. American officials claim these actions disrupted narcotics networks allegedly led by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whom they brand as the head of a "terrorist" drug cartel. However, critics, including Brazilian leadership, decry the lack of transparent evidence supporting these assertions.
Lula, whose nation shares an extensive 2,200-kilometer border with Venezuela, emphasized the dire risks of escalation. "I am very concerned about the military apparatus that the United States has placed in the Caribbean Sea," he stated. "I think there is no reason to have a war now. Let us not repeat the mistake that happened in the war between Russia and Ukraine—that is to say, once a shot is fired, it is hard to predict how it will end." He advocated for diplomatic solutions to de-escalate the situation before any irreversible actions are taken.
Adding to the geopolitical friction, President-elect Trump opted out of the G20 summit in South Africa, citing irreconcilable differences with its agenda on global trade cooperation and climate change initiatives—priorities he views as antithetical to American interests. This absence underscores broader strains in international relations as the world grapples with rising militarism and ideological divides.
As Latin America's largest economy and a key regional stabilizer, Brazil's vocal stance amplifies calls for restraint and multilateral dialogue. The unfolding crisis near Venezuela not only threatens regional peace but also reverberates through global energy markets and migration patterns, given Venezuela's vast oil reserves and ongoing humanitarian challenges. Stakeholders worldwide watch closely, hoping Lula's outreach to Trump fosters a pathway to resolution rather than confrontation.
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“I am very concerned about the military apparatus that the United States has placed in the Caribbean Sea. I am very concerned, and I intend to discuss this with President Trump because it worries me,” Lula told reporters in Johannesburg after attending a G20 summit.
“I think there is no reason to have a war now,” he said. “Let us not repeat the mistake that happened in the war between Russia and Ukraine. That is to say, once a shot is fired, it is hard to predict how it will end.”
The United States has sent an aircraft carrier strike group, other navy warships as well as stealth aircraft to the region near Venezuela. On Friday it warned civilian aircraft in Venezuelan airspace to “exercise caution”.
US forces have conducted strikes on more than 20 vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific since September, killing more than 80 people. US officials allege they were drug-runners, but provided no evidence.
Washington accuses Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of leading a “terrorist” drug cartel, and Trump has not ruled out sending in US soldiers.
Lula, pointing out that Brazil shares a border with Venezuela, said: “It is important that we try to find a solution before it (a potential conflict) starts.”
Trump did not attend the G20 summit in South Africa, boycotting it on the grounds that its priorities — which include boosting cooperation on global trade and on climate change — ran counter to US policies.
По материалам: http://www.planet-today.com/2025/11/brazil-alarmed-by-us-military-build-up.html