Brazil Condemns US Military Action in Venezuela at UN Security Council Meeting
Brazil condemned the US military operation in Venezuela during a UN Security Council meeting, emphasizing sovereignty, international law, and support for Venezuela's interim leadership amid regional tensions.
- • Brazil condemned the US military action that led to Nicolás Maduro's capture at the UN Security Council meeting.
- • Brazil's Ambassador Sérgio Danese echoed President Lula's statement denouncing the US intervention as a violation of sovereignty.
- • Brazil supports Venezuela's interim leader Delcy Rodríguez as recognized by its Supreme Court and military.
- • A joint Latin American statement condemned US attempts to control Venezuela’s administration and resources, advocating for a peaceful transition.
Key details
On January 5, 2026, Brazil actively participated in a United Nations Security Council meeting focusing on the recent crisis in Venezuela. Represented by Ambassador Sérgio Danese, Brazil reiterated President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's condemnation of the United States' military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. President Lula described the US action as a "grave affront" that crossed an "unacceptable line," emphasizing respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The US operation, executed by the elite Delta Force, involved explosive attacks in Caracas and surrounding states at around 3 AM Brasília time. Maduro and his wife were swiftly detained and transported to the USS Iwo Jima before being taken into federal custody in the United States, where Maduro faces corruption and drug trafficking accusations. Former US President Donald Trump stated that the US would govern Venezuela following Maduro's capture.
Despite not being a member of the Security Council, Brazil insisted on speaking to emphasize the illegality of the military intervention and the importance of multilateralism. Brazilian diplomats expressed concerns about the destabilizing effects of the US threats on Colombia and warned against external interference disrupting Venezuela's political future.
Brazil, along with several Latin American, European, and Asian countries, signed a joint statement condemning attempts to control Venezuela's administration and its natural resources, notably oil. The statement urges a peaceful transition led by Venezuelans themselves to avoid escalating regional tensions. Brazil officially recognizes Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as Venezuela's interim leader, in line with the Venezuelan Supreme Court's designation and military acknowledgment, despite concerns about delays in calling elections due to the court's chavista alignment.
Former Brazilian Foreign Minister Aloysio Nunes highlighted that Brazil's approach under President Lula aims to harmonize sovereignty with democratic principles, contrasting it with the opposition's stance. Maria Laura da Rocha, acting head of Brazil's Foreign Ministry, affirmed the commitment to uphold international law in Venezuela's situation.
Brazil recognizes that the UN Security Council meeting is unlikely to produce decisive outcomes but serves as a critical platform to condemn the US military incursion and reaffirm Venezuela's sovereignty.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
