JUST IN: Brazilian President Lula da Silva: “Brazil Does Not Want War with the United States – I Don’t Want War with China, Russia, or Even Uruguay”

Reflecto News
April 18, 2026

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has delivered a clear message of peaceful intent amid global tensions, explicitly stating that Brazil seeks no conflict with any nation, including major powers and close neighbors.

“Brazil does not want war with the United States. I don’t want war with China, I don’t want war with Russia, I don’t want war with Uruguay,” Lula declared, emphasizing his commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and non-confrontation in international relations.

The remarks, made during a recent interview in Spain, come as Lula continues his sharp criticism of unilateral military actions and excessive global arms spending while advocating for multilateral solutions to conflicts, including the ongoing US-Israel-Iran crisis and operations in southern Lebanon.

Lula’s Message of Peace and Non-Interference

Lula stressed that Brazil’s foreign policy prioritizes peace, investment, and improving living conditions for its people rather than confrontation. He has repeatedly warned against a “new Cold War” dynamic and called on world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, to treat all countries equally without interference or threats.

This stance aligns with Lula’s broader critique of militarism. In recent days, he has highlighted the contradiction of spending trillions on weapons while millions face hunger and environmental crises worsen due to ongoing conflicts and “bombs being dropped every single day.”

Lula has also defended principles of sovereignty, as seen in his calls to end the US blockade on Cuba, arguing that each nation’s challenges should be resolved by its own people without external imposition.

Context Amid Global Tensions

Lula’s comments arrive against a backdrop of heightened international friction:

• The fragile ceasefire in the US-Israel-Iran conflict, with persistent disputes over the Strait of Hormuz and naval deployments such as the USS Gerald R. Ford’s recent movement in the Red Sea.
• Israeli operations in southern Lebanon under Operation “Silver Plow”, which have raised concerns over civilian impact and risks to UNIFIL peacekeepers.
• Rising global military budgets and energy price volatility affecting developing economies.

As a prominent voice from the Global South, Lula has positioned Brazil as a proponent of strategic autonomy, multilateralism, and dialogue over force. He has criticized aspects of US policy under Trump while maintaining that Brazil seeks constructive relations with all major powers, including the United States, China, and Russia.

Implications for Brazilian Foreign Policy

Lula’s statement reinforces Brazil’s traditional non-aligned approach, avoiding entanglement in great-power rivalries while advocating for peaceful resolution of disputes. It also serves as a domestic signal of stability and pragmatism ahead of future political cycles.

Brazil continues to push for stronger South-South cooperation, reform of global institutions like the UN Security Council, and redirection of resources from arms to food security, climate action, and development.

Reflecto News will continue tracking President Lula’s international engagements, Brazil’s role in global diplomacy, and developments in key conflicts affecting the world economy and security.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What exactly did President Lula say about war?
Lula stated: “Brazil does not want war with the United States. I don’t want war with China, I don’t want war with Russia, I don’t want war with Uruguay,” underscoring a policy of peace with all nations, big or small.

Q2: In what context were these remarks made?
The comments were delivered during an interview in Spain, as part of Lula’s broader advocacy for dialogue, non-interference, and criticism of excessive militarism and unilateral actions.

Q3: Has Lula made similar statements before?
Yes. Lula has repeatedly rejected the idea of a “new Cold War,” called for equal treatment of nations, and criticized military spending and conflicts while promoting multilateral solutions.

Q4: How does this relate to current global conflicts?
It comes amid the US-Iran ceasefire tensions, Israeli operations in Lebanon, and other flashpoints, where Lula has warned against escalation and its economic/humanitarian costs.

Q5: What is Brazil’s broader foreign policy under Lula?
Brazil emphasizes sovereignty, peaceful coexistence, South-South solidarity, and redirecting resources from weapons toward hunger relief, climate action, and development.

Q6: Has Lula criticized specific countries recently?
Lula has voiced concerns over certain US policies and unilateral actions but consistently stresses that Brazil seeks cooperation, not confrontation, with the United States and others.

Q7: Why mention Uruguay specifically?
By including a close neighbor alongside major powers, Lula highlights that Brazil rejects conflict with any country, reinforcing a universal commitment to peace and good relations in the region and beyond.

For continuing coverage of Brazilian foreign policy, global diplomacy, and international conflicts, follow Reflecto News — delivering accurate, timely, and balanced reporting.