Brazil’s Solidarity with Venezuela a Key Factor at Colombia Summit

Brazil’s last-minute decision to join the EU-CELAC summit in Colombia has introduced a powerful new dynamic, with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s delegation openly stating his attendance is an act of “regional solidarity with Venezuela.” This move strategically elevates the issue of US threats against Venezuela to the same level of importance as the other major crisis at hand: the deadly US strikes on alleged drug vessels.
The Brazilian Foreign Minister, Mauro Vieira, confirmed this motive, linking Lula’s presence directly to supporting their regional neighbor. This is a significant gesture, as US President Donald Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of military action against Venezuela. Brazilian Ambassador Gisela Padovan added that this topic, combined with the recent boat strikes, would be a “natural topic” at the summit, likely to be formally introduced by the Venezuelan delegation itself.
This focus on Venezuela and US threats is finding common cause with the outrage expressed by the host nation, Colombia. President Gustavo Petro is condemning the other US military operation, which has killed over 60 people in the Caribbean and Pacific. Petro’s declaration that these deaths are “extrajudicial executions” creates a powerful pincer movement of criticism against US military actions from two of South America’s most influential leaders.
Lula has already been active on this front. He recently told reporters he had personally urged President Trump, during a meeting in Malaysia, to de-escalate. Lula advocated for a diplomatic path, citing George W. Bush’s efforts to “pacify” Venezuela after the 2002 coup. His message to Trump was unequivocal: “Latin America is a region of peace.”
This strong, unified front from Brazil and Colombia is set to overshadow the summit’s original purpose. While the adoption of the “Declaration of Santa Marta” on energy and technology is the official goal, and despite the low turnout of top EU officials, the real discussions will be about regional sovereignty. The summit is now a platform for Latin America to collectively respond to perceived US aggression.