Global Leaders React to U.S. Military Actions in Venezuela

Mon Jan 05 2026 07:15:44 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In response to the recent U.S. military operations that resulted in the capture of Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro, world leaders express a range of condemnations and support, highlighting concerns over international law and state sovereignty.

World leaders have voiced a range of reactions following the U.S. military's capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro amid ongoing tensions over drug charges. While some, like UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, show support for the U.S. actions, numerous Latin American countries and allies like Russia and China condemn the strikes as violations of sovereignty and international law. Discussions on the implications for Venezuela's future governance continue as global leaders call for a peaceful transition.

Leaders around the world have responded with a mix of condemnation and support to the US capture of Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro.

Following a large-scale strike on Venezuela on Saturday, Maduro and his wife were captured by US forces and removed from the country. The pair have been indicted on drug charges in New York.

In an initial response, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his government would shed no tears for the end of Maduro's regime.

Neighbouring Latin American countries condemned the actions, as did Venezuela's long-term allies, Russia and China. China said it was deeply shocked and strongly condemns the use of force against a sovereign country and its president.

Russia accused the US of committing an act of armed aggression. Iran, which is locked in its own dispute with Trump over his promise of intervention in its country, called the strikes a flagrant violation of the country's national sovereignty.

Trump said the US will run Venezuela until we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition. Many Latin American leaders condemned the US actions.

President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva in Brazil wrote on X that the actions cross an unacceptable line, adding attacking countries in flagrant violation of international law is the first step toward a world of violence, chaos, and instability.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro called the strikes an assault on the sovereignty of Latin America, while Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel described it as a criminal attack. Chile's President Gabriel Boric expressed concern and condemnation on X and called for a peaceful solution to the serious crisis affecting the country.

The Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged citizens to remain calm and to trust the country's leadership and military, saying, The world needs to speak out about this attack, according to the Reuters news agency.

But Argentinian President Javier Milei – who Trump has described as his favourite president – wrote Freedom moves forward and Long live freedom on social media.