Venezuela’s President Maduro Proposes Brazilian-Led Liberation of Puerto Rico

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has called for the "liberation" of Puerto Rico, proposing a campaign led by Brazilian forces during the closing ceremony of the International Antifascist World Festival in Venezuela.

Addressing approximately 2,000 attendees from 125 nations, Maduro invoked the legacy of Simón Bolívar, a key figure in South American independence. "The independence of Puerto Rico is still pending, and we will achieve it, with the forces of Brazil and the Abreu e Lima Battalion leading the way," he was quoted as saying by reports.

Maduro's proposal to liberate Puerto Rico from U.S. control was inspired by Brazilian general José Inácio de Abreu e Lima, a historical ally of Bolívar.

The mention of Brazil sparked significant reactions among attendees, some of whom carried Brazilian flags. Critics and analysts have noted that Maduro’s comments highlight his ambitions to position Venezuela as a leader in Latin American unity and anti-imperialist movements.

The festival followed Maduro's controversial inauguration for a third term amid allegations of electoral fraud. His inauguration has further isolated Venezuela, with the U.S., U.K., Canada and E.U. targeting Venezuelan officials, including members of the electoral council and military leaders, with sanctions. Maduro dismissed these measures as part of an "economic war" aimed at destabilizing the country.

The U.S. recently raised its reward for Maduro's capture to $25 million over narcotics and corruption charges.

Countries such as Costa Rica, Panama, and Ecuador have labeled the election results as illegitimate. The Venezuelan opposition and several international observers claim that opposition candidate Edmundo González won the election. González, who fled to Spain, has promised to return but risks arrest upon arrival.

During his speech, Maduro reiterated Venezuela’s readiness to defend its sovereignty, stating, "If one day we have to take up arms to defend the right to peace and sovereignty, we will do so." He also highlighted alliances with Cuba and Nicaragua.

Last Friday, Brazil's government announced Venezuela has temporarily closed their shared border following Maduro's re-election. The closure is expected to last until Monday. Brazilian grassroots groups, including Landless Rural Workers' Movement (MST) and Brazilian Association of Jurists for Democracy (ABJD), have sent a letter to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, urging recognition of Maduro's legitimacy and calling for regional dialogue and national integration.