Brazil's Lula Warns US: Invasion of Venezuela Risks "Humanitarian Crisis"

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has issued a stark warning to the United States. Speaking at a summit for Mercosur, a major South American trade bloc, Lula said any U.S. military invasion of Venezuela could cause a severe humanitarian disaster. The comments are a direct challenge to Argentina's new president, Javier Milei, who was also at the meeting. Milei has called for "free and fair" elections in Venezuela and supports stronger U.S. influence in the region. Lula also urged the European Union to show "courage." He asked the EU to finalize a long-delayed trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc. The public clash highlights a deep political divide in South America. It also shows the ongoing global debate over how to address Venezuela's political and economic situation.