Global leaders responded to the United States’ action with a combination of outrage, concern, and caution on Saturday.
President Donald Trump declared that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been captured, and announced a large-scale strike against Venezuela hours after explosions were reported in Caracas, the nation’s capital.
This unprecedented military action comes after the Trump Administration had been pressuring Maduro to relinquish power in the South American nation amid longstanding accusations of drug trafficking and electoral fraud.
The operation marks the most significant U.S. military intervention in Latin America since the 1989 Panama invasion, when, as today, American forces captured the country’s leader, Manuel Antonio Noriega.
Numerous nations voiced condemnation of Maduro’s capture on Saturday, while even some U.S. allies released statements demanding respect for the rule of law.
South American leaders, in particular, voiced particular anger at the attack.
Below is a compilation of worldwide responses to the operation.
United Kingdom
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated he wished to speak with President Trump before making any definitive statements regarding Maduro’s capture.
“I always say and believe we should uphold international law, but I think at this stage [in a] fast moving situation, let’s establish the facts and take it from there,” he told British broadcasters.
“I want to establish the facts first. I want to speak to President Trump,” he said. “I want to speak to allies. As I say I can be absolutely clear we were not involved in that.”
Russia
Russia’s Foreign Ministry expressed being ‘extremely alarmed’ and demanded ‘immediate clarification,’ according to a statement posted Saturday on the ministry’s Telegram channel.
It added later in a post on X: “The US committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela, which gives rise to deep concern & warrants condemnation.”
“The pretexts used to justify these actions are untenable. Russia reaffirms its solidarity with the Venezuelan people,’ it continued in the post.
China
China’s Foreign Ministry stated it was ‘deeply shocked’ by what it characterized as a ‘blatant use of force against a sovereign state and action against its president.’
“Such hegemonic acts of the U.S. seriously violate international law and Venezuela’s sovereignty and threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean region,” it said.
“China firmly opposes it. We call on the U.S. to abide by international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and stop violating other countries’ sovereignty and security,” the statement continued.
United Nations
The United Nations expressed being ‘deeply alarmed’ by the U.S. strikes and Maduro’s capture, suggesting potential violations of international law.
“These developments constitute a dangerous precedent,” Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for the U.N. secretary-general, said in a statement.
“The Secretary-General is deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in Venezuela, culminating with today’s United States military action in the country, which has potential worrying implications for the region,” she added.
“The Secretary-General continues to emphasize the importance of full respect—by all—of international law, including the U.N. Charter. He’s deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected,” the statement continued
European Union
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas posted on X that she had communicated with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the EU’s ambassador in Caracas.
“The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition,” she wrote. “Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected. We call for restraint.”
Mexico
In a post on X, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum shared a passage from the United Nations Charter.
“The Members of the Organization, in their international relations, shall refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.”
Brazil
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva denounced Maduro’s capture as crossing ‘an unacceptable line.’
“Attacking countries, in flagrant violation of international law, is the first step toward a world of violence, chaos, and instability, where the law of the strongest prevails over multilateralism,” Lula .
“The international community, through the United Nations, needs to respond vigorously to this episode,” he added.
Colombia
Colombian President Gustavo Petro denounced the U.S. operation in multiple posts on X.
“The Government of Colombia rejects the aggression against the sovereignty of Venezuela and of Latin America,” he .
“Internal conflicts between peoples are resolved by those same peoples in peace. That is the principle of the self-determination of peoples, which forms the foundation of the United Nations system,” Petro continued.
Denmark
Denmark, which has faced threats from the Trump Administration regarding taking control of Greenland, offered a restrained response to the operation.
“Dramatic development in Venezuela, which we are following closely. We need to get back on track toward de-escalation and dialogue. International law must be respected,” Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen .
Spain
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez appealed for ‘de-escalation and responsibility.’
“International Law and the principles of the United Nations Charter must be respected,” Mr Sanchez .
