World reacts as U.S. strikes Venezuela and Maduro is captured

The United States’ military operation in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro triggered an immediate wave of global reactions, exposing deep divisions over legality, sovereignty, and the future of the country.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry was among the first to respond, calling the U.S. action an act of armed aggression and condemning what it described as unfounded justifications. Moscow warned that ideological hostility had overridden diplomacy and business pragmatism, urging restraint and dialogue while backing calls from Venezuela and several Latin American leaders for an emergency UN Security Council meeting. Russia stressed that Latin America must remain a zone of peace and that Venezuela should be free to determine its own destiny without outside interference.

Mexico’s Foreign Ministry issued a strong rejection of what it described as unilateral U.S. military action, citing a clear violation of Article 2 of the UN Charter. Mexico reiterated that dialogue and negotiation are the only legitimate paths to resolving disputes and said it stood ready to support mediation efforts to prevent regional escalation. Uruguay echoed that position, saying it was following events with serious concern and rejecting any military intervention that threatened civilian infrastructure or violated international law.

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said the bombings on Venezuelan territory and Maduro’s capture crossed an unacceptable line, calling the operation a grave affront to sovereignty and a dangerous precedent for the international system. He warned that repeated violations of international law risk pushing the world toward chaos where force outweighs multilateral rules.

Chile’s President Gabriel Boric expressed concern and condemnation, reaffirming Chile’s commitment to non-intervention, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and territorial integrity. Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro said his government viewed reports of explosions and unusual air activity with deep concern, rejecting any unilateral military action that could worsen tensions or put civilians at risk.

Argentina’s President Javier Milei took a sharply different tone, posting “Freedom moves forward” and praising U.S. pressure on Caracas. In a video message, Milei described Maduro as a regional threat and said the time for timid approaches had passed. Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa went further, declaring that “narco Chavista criminals” were nearing collapse and telling Venezuelan opposition figures they had an ally in Ecuador.

European reactions were cautious but firm on legal principles. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK was not involved in the operation and emphasised the need to establish facts and uphold international law. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she had spoken with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and EU diplomats in Caracas, stressing that while the EU questioned Maduro’s legitimacy, any solution must respect the UN Charter. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc stood with the Venezuelan people and supported a peaceful, democratic transition.

Spain called for de-escalation and moderation, offering its good offices to support a negotiated solution. In Germany, conservative MP Roderich Kiesewetter accused Washington of abandoning the rules-based order that had shaped the post-1945 world, while foreign policy spokesman Juergen Hardt argued that Maduro’s long record of repression and links to terrorism meant the end of his rule was positive from a human rights perspective. Italian opposition leader and former prime minister Giuseppe Conte described the U.S. action as a blatant violation of international law, warning that the selective application of rules undermines global security.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Kyiv consistently defends the right of nations to live free from dictatorship and oppression, arguing that the Maduro leadership violated democratic principles while stressing that developments must still align with international law.

Further afield, Indonesia said it was monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of its citizens and urged all parties to prioritise de-escalation and civilian protection. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei framed the events as another example of foreign pressure, calling for resistance and defiance against what he described as arrogant enemies. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko condemned the operation outright, warning it could become another prolonged conflict.

Lebanon’s Hezbollah denounced what it called American aggression and declared full solidarity with Venezuela’s leadership and people. Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar said her country was not involved in the operation and continued to maintain peaceful relations with Venezuela.

Legal experts also weighed in. Marc Weller of Chatham House said international law prohibits the use of force without a UN mandate or an imminent armed attack, arguing that neither drug trafficking claims nor allegations against the Venezuelan government provide legal justification for military action.

The White House has defended the operation as part of President Donald Trump’s broader campaign against narcotrafficking and illicit oil flows, insisting that multiple off-ramps were offered to Caracas. Yet the breadth and intensity of the international response underline how the events in Venezuela have rapidly evolved into a global diplomatic test, with long-term implications for regional stability and the international legal order.

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