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US forces detain Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro
World leaders have reacted with a mix of condemnation and support after the United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife during a large-scale military operation on Saturday. The couple faces drug trafficking indictments in New York.
Western nations offer cautious backing
The UK government signaled limited support, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer stating his administration would "shed no tears" over the end of Maduro's rule. Starmer, who confirmed the UK was not involved in the strikes, declined to comment on whether the operation violated international law, citing a need for further facts. He later clarified on social media that the UK viewed Maduro as illegitimate and would engage with US officials to ensure a "safe and peaceful transition" to democratic governance.
The European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, reiterated the bloc's stance that Maduro's leadership lacked legitimacy but stressed the need for a peaceful, lawful transition. French President Emmanuel Macron echoed this, urging a democratic process that respects the Venezuelan people's will, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the legal questions surrounding the US action as "complex" but warned against destabilizing the country further.
Latin America and allies condemn US intervention
Venezuela's neighbors and long-standing allies reacted with sharp criticism. Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called the strikes an "unacceptable violation of international law" and a step toward global chaos. Colombian President Gustavo Petro labeled the operation an "assault on Latin American sovereignty," while Chile's Gabriel Boric expressed "concern and condemnation," advocating for a peaceful resolution to Venezuela's crisis.
Cuba's Miguel Díaz-Canel denounced the action as a "criminal attack," and Uruguay issued a statement rejecting military intervention while monitoring developments "with serious concern." Russia and China, both vocal supporters of Maduro, condemned the operation in strong terms. Beijing described it as a "shocking" use of force against a sovereign nation, while Moscow accused the US of "armed aggression." Iran, embroiled in its own tensions with Washington, called the strikes a "flagrant violation of national sovereignty."
US outlines plans for Venezuela's future
President Donald Trump declared the US would "run" Venezuela until a "safe, proper, and judicious transition" could be arranged. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio targeted Cuba in his remarks, calling it a "disaster" under incompetent leadership that backed Maduro's regime. Rubio suggested Havana should be concerned about broader US policy in the region.
Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged citizens to remain calm and trust the military, framing the operation as an attack requiring global condemnation. Meanwhile, Argentina's President Javier Milei, a Trump ally, celebrated the news on social media, posting "freedom moves forward" and "long live freedom."
International law and precedent at center of debate
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed "deep concern" that international law had been disregarded, calling the strikes a "dangerous precedent." In the US, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the operation as reckless, arguing that while Maduro was an "illegitimate dictator," military action lacked congressional authorization and a clear post-intervention plan.
Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Anand called for all parties to respect international law and reaffirmed support for Venezuela's democratic aspirations. Norway's Espen Barth Eide stated that the US intervention contravened universal legal principles, emphasizing that such actions were binding on all states.
Key figures weigh in on legitimacy and next steps
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump's "bold and historic leadership," framing the operation as a stand for "freedom and justice." In contrast, Maduro's removal has reignited debates over sovereignty, with many leaders urging diplomatic solutions over military force. The coming days are expected to see intensified discussions among global powers on Venezuela's political future.
