Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva made it clear on Monday that he is wary of U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan for a new global peace initiative. In a 50-minute phone call between the two leaders, Lula stressed that any such initiative must respect existing international frameworks and include broader representation, particularly for Palestinians.
Concerns Over Venezuela and Regional Stability
Lula did not hold back when discussing Venezuela. He criticized the U.S. capture of deposed President Nicolas Maduro, calling it an “unacceptable line” and insisting that the welfare of Venezuelan citizens must be a priority. The Brazilian president urged Trump to focus on preserving peace and stability in the region rather than unilateral actions that could escalate tensions.
Limits on the Board of Peace
The core of Lula’s criticism focused on Trump’s so-called Board of Peace. He suggested that the initiative should be narrowly applied, ideally limited to specific crises such as Gaza, rather than acting as a global governing body that could rival the United Nations. Lula also demanded Palestinian representation on the board, underlining that legitimacy requires participation from those directly affected.
A New U.N.?
Brazil sees Trump’s initiative as an attempt to create a “new U.N.” controlled by a single country, rather than a collaborative international effort. While Trump insists the Board of Peace would operate alongside the U.N., Lula’s comments indicate that Brazil will not support any move that sidelines established global institutions.
What This Means
Lula’s stance signals that major powers will push back against unilateral U.S. moves in global governance, especially when they bypass existing multilateral structures.
This call may set the tone for further negotiations, but it also highlights a growing divide over how peace and security should be managed in a complex world.
