Brazil's Lula criticizes US military action in Venezuela and faces domestic backlash

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has strongly condemned a recent US military action in Venezuela. He has also increased his government's criticism of the United States, with some officials claiming Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro was 'kidnapped'.

This stance has created political friction. A domestic poll shows a majority of Brazilians approve of the US action and criticize Lula's opposition to it. His political opponents see Venezuela as a potential vulnerability for him in the upcoming election year. The issue has also affected Brazil's relations with Argentina, leading Brazil to leave its embassy in Venezuela under Italy's management.