World leaders have swiftly responded to the recent military operation conducted by the United States in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. The operation was described by former President Donald Trump on social media as a successful strike against Maduro and his administration, asserting that both Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been taken out of the country.
In the aftermath, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez condemned the attack, reporting that it has resulted in numerous casualties, including military personnel and civilians. She expressed concerns about the whereabouts of Maduro and Flores, demanding “proof of life” from the U.S. government. “We demand immediate proof of life from the government of President Donald Trump regarding the lives of President Maduro and the first lady,” Rodríguez stated during a broadcast on state-run VTV Venezuela, urging an “urgent reaction from the international community.”
Colombian President Gustavo Petro characterized the U.S. action as an aggression against the sovereignty of not just Venezuela but the broader Latin American region. He called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, reaffirming Colombia’s commitment to the principles of the UN Charter. Petro also announced that Colombia is preparing to deploy forces to its border in anticipation of a potential influx of Venezuelan refugees.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva reacted strongly, labeling the U.S. operation as crossing an “unacceptable line” and establishing a dangerous precedent for the international community. “The international community, through the United Nations, needs to respond vigorously to this episode. Brazil condemns these actions and remains available to promote the path of dialogue and cooperation,” Lula emphasized.
The Russian Foreign Ministry also condemned the military action, describing it as an “act of armed aggression.” The ministry criticized the justifications provided for the U.S. strike, asserting that ideological animosity has overtaken diplomatic relations. “Latin America must remain a zone of peace, as it declared itself to be in 2014,” the statement asserted, calling for Venezuela’s right to determine its own future without foreign military interference.
Iranian officials joined the chorus of condemnation, referring to the attack as a “flagrant violation of national sovereignty and territorial integrity.” A high-ranking Iranian official stated, “When a person realizes the enemy is arrogantly trying to impose something on the country, one must stand firmly against the enemy and resist.”
In Europe, Kaja Kallas, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, noted that the EU is closely monitoring the situation. Kallas reiterated the EU’s stance on Maduro, stating, “The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr. Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition.” She emphasized that all actions must be in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer clarified that the United Kingdom was not involved in the U.S. military operation. He expressed a desire to communicate with Trump and other allies to ascertain the facts surrounding the situation. “The UK was not involved in any way in this operation, and as you would expect, we are focusing on British nationals in Venezuela,” Starmer stated.
Spain’s Foreign Ministry has also called for de-escalation, urging actions to be taken in line with international law and UN principles. “Spain is willing to offer its good offices to achieve a peaceful and negotiated solution to the current crisis,” the ministry said in a statement.
As world leaders continue to react to this significant development, the implications of the U.S. military operation in Venezuela are being felt across the globe, raising critical questions about international law, national sovereignty, and regional stability.
