Global leaders expressed sharp divisions on Saturday following US airstrikes on Venezuelan targets and the reported capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a dramatic escalation of tensions under President Donald Trump.
The operation, described by Trump as a “large-scale strike,” targeted military installations and other sites in Caracas and surrounding areas, resulting in explosions reported across the capital, Reuters reported. Trump announced that Maduro had been “captured and flown out of the country” to face US charges related to drug trafficking.
Reactions ranged from outright condemnation by Venezuela’s allies and many Latin American nations to cautious statements from European leaders and outright support from a few regional figures aligned with Trump.
China’s Foreign Ministry said it was “deeply shocked and strongly condemns the use of force by the US against a sovereign country and the use of force against the president of a country.” It accused the US of “hegemonic behaviour” that “seriously violates international law, violates Venezuela’s sovereignty, and threatens peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean,” urging Washington to abide by the UN Charter.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry labeled the strikes an “act of armed aggression,” calling the justifications “unfounded” and driven by “ideological animosity.” It urged de-escalation through dialogue, emphasizing Latin America’s status as a “zone of peace” and supporting calls for a UN Security Council meeting.
Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs “strongly condemns and rejects” the unilateral actions as a “clear violation” of the UN Charter, reaffirming that only dialogue can resolve differences.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva described the bombings and Maduro’s capture as crossing an “unacceptable line,” a “grave affront to Venezuela’s sovereignty” and a “dangerous precedent” risking global chaos where “the law of the strongest prevails.”
Chilean President Gabriel Boric expressed “concern and condemnation,” calling for a peaceful solution while upholding principles like non-intervention and territorial integrity.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro voiced “deep concern” over the escalation, rejecting “any unilateral military action” that risks civilians and violates sovereignty.
Uruguay’s Foreign Ministry rejected military intervention, stressing respect for international law and the UN Charter.
South Africa’s Department of International Relations called for an urgent UN Security Council meeting, describing the actions as a “manifest violation” of the UN Charter’s prohibition on the threat or use of force against another state’s territorial integrity or political independence.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei framed the events as resistance against arrogant imposition, vowing not to yield to the enemy.
Lebanon’s Hezbollah condemned the “terrorist aggression and American thuggery,” affirming full solidarity with Venezuela.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko “categorically condemns” the aggression, warning it could become “a second Vietnam.”
Argentine President Javier Milei, a close Trump ally, celebrated with “FREEDOM MOVES FORWARD. LONG LIVE FREEDOM DAMMIT,” sharing a video criticising Maduro as a regional threat and endorsing US pressure.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared the collapse of “narco-Chavista criminals” imminent, urging opposition figures Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo González to reclaim the country, adding Ecuador as an ally.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that the operation leading to Maduro’s capture “violates the principle of not resorting to force, that underpins international law,” adding that “no lasting political solution can be imposed from the outside and that only sovereign people themselves can decide their future.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer sought to “establish the facts” first, confirming no British involvement and stressing adherence to international law.
The European Union’s High Representative Kaja Kallas monitored the situation closely, reiterating Maduro’s lack of legitimacy but calling for respect of international law and restraint.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen supported a “peaceful and democratic transition” respecting the UN Charter.
Spain’s Foreign Ministry called for de-escalation in line with international law, offering mediation for a negotiated solution.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar clarified her country was not participating in the operations while maintaining peaceful relations with Venezuela.
Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry emphasised monitoring for citizen safety, prioritizing de-escalation, dialogue, and UN principles.
Chatham House’s Marc Weller stated the strikes lack legal justification under international law, absent UN mandate or imminent threat.
In Germany, CDU MP Roderich Kiesewetter criticized Trump for abandoning the rules-based order, while foreign policy spokesman Juergen Hardt viewed Maduro’s end as “good news” from a human rights perspective.
UK Reform Party leader Nigel Farage called the actions “unorthodox and contrary to international law” but potentially beneficial if deterring China and Russia, hoping for a new era in Venezuela.
Italian opposition leader Giuseppe Conte decried the “aggression” as a blatant violation certifying dominance of the militarily strong.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha defended nations’ rights against dictatorship, prioritizing democracy and international law in developments.
The strikes mark the most direct US intervention in Latin America in decades, amid ongoing accusations against Maduro of running a narco-state and election rigging, claims he denies.
