Lula denounces US meddling at UN, warns against foreign interference ahead of Brazil vote

In a speech to the UN General Assembly, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticized what he described as US imperialism, linking it to President Donald Trump's policies of tariffs and military posturing. He invoked the legacies of Yasser Arafat and Yitzhak Rabin, noting that ongoing violence in Gaza continues under Israeli leadership, and supported UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese’s statements on the issue. Lula condemned the collective punishment of ten million Venezuelans through an illegal economic and energy embargo, calling for respect for the Venezuelan people's right to self-determination.

Emphasizing Brazil’s independence, he said the nation will not serve as anyone’s backyard and offered a cooperation proposal to the US president. The remarks came as Brazil prepares for an election that will decide its democratic direction, with Lula urging voters to reject external manipulation.