The international community has responded with a mix of censure and approval following the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
In the aftermath of a large-scale strike on Venezuela on Saturday, Maduro and his wife were taken into custody by US forces and removed from the country.
The pair have been indicted on drug charges in New York.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer initially stated that his government would “shed no tears” for the end of Maduro’s regime.
Neighboring Latin American countries, along with Venezuela’s long-term allies, Russia and China, condemned the actions.
China declared that it was “deeply shocked and strongly condemns” the use of force against a sovereign country and its president.
Russia has accused the US of perpetrating “an act of armed aggression”. Iran, embroiled in its own dispute with Trump over his vow of intervention in its country, denounced the strikes as a “flagrant violation of the country’s national sovereignty”.
Trump stated that the US will “run” Venezuela “until we can ensure a safe, proper, and judicious transition”.
Numerous Latin American leaders have condemned the US actions.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva expressed on X that the actions “cross an unacceptable line”, adding that “attacking countries in flagrant violation of international law is the first step toward a world of violence, chaos, and instability”.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro labeled the strikes an “assault on the sovereignty” of Latin America, while Chile’s President Gabriel Boric expressed “concern and condemnation” and called for “a peaceful solution to the serious crisis affecting the country”.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Cane has accused the US of perpetrating a “criminal attack”.
Meanwhile, Uruguay has issued an official statement expressing its vigilance regarding the unfolding situation “with attention and serious concern” and reaffirming its longstanding opposition to “military intervention”.
Trump has suggested that Cuba may become integral to a broader US policy initiative within the region, describing it as a failing nation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has characterized Cuba as a disaster mismanaged by incompetent leaders who lend support to Maduro’s administration, emphasizing that the government in Havana should be apprehensive.
Trump has signalled that Cuba could be included in a broader US policy approach in the region, labelling it a failing nation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked that Cuba was a disaster led by incompetent leaders who supported Maduro’s administration and that the government in Havana should be concerned.
Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello appealed to citizens to remain calm and to trust the country’s leadership and military, stating “the world needs to speak out about this attack” according to news agency Reuters.
In contrast, Argentinian President Javier Milei – who Trump has described as his “favourite president” – wrote “freedom moves forward” and “long live freedom” on social media.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer refrained from commenting on whether the military action may have violated international law.
In an interview with the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme on Saturday morning, he did not condemn the US strikes.
He stated that he was waiting to establish all the facts but would not “shy away from this”, adding he was a “lifelong advocate of international law”.
The UK was not involved in the strikes, and Sir Keir said he had not spoken to Trump about the operation.
Later on Saturday, he posted on X that the UK “regarded Maduro as an illegitimate president and we shed no tears about the end of his regime”.
“The UK government will discuss the evolving situation with US counterparts in the days ahead as we seek a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people,” he added.
Starmer will not comment on whether US strikes on Venezuela breached international law
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, reiterated the bloc’s stance that Maduro lacks legitimacy and called for a peaceful transition of power that adheres to international law principles. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that the transition must be peaceful, democratic, and respectful of the Venezuelan people’s will in a post on X.
He hoped González, the opposition’s 2024 presidential candidate, could ensure a smooth transition.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz observed that the US operation’s legality is complex and stressed the need to apply international law. He warned against allowing political instability to emerge in Venezuela.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern that international law principles have not been respected, his spokesperson said.
He was deeply alarmed by the strikes, which set a worrying precedent. In the US, Senate Minority Leader Chuck
Senator Schumer, a Democrat, emphasized: “Let me be clear, Maduro is an illegitimate dictator, but launching military action without congressional authorization, without a federal plan for what comes next, is reckless.”
Elsewhere, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, a staunch US ally, congratulated Trump on his “bold and historic leadership on behalf of freedom and justice”.
Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand stated “Canada calls on all parties to respect international law and we stand by the people of Venezuela and their desire to live in a peaceful and democratic society”.
Canada was engaging with international partners, she said. Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stated “international law is universal and binding for all states. The American intervention in Venezuela is not in accordance with international law.”
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