Global leaders react to U.S. military intervention in Venezuela

Mon Jan 05 2026 12:25:51 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A mixture of condemnation and support arises worldwide in response to the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro and the military strike on Venezuela, signaling a new era of geopolitical tension.

The recent U.S. military intervention that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has elicited varied responses from international leaders. While some, like UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, express indifference to the end of Maduro's regime, others, including leaders from Latin America, Russia, and China, strongly condemn the actions as violations of sovereignty and international law. Amidst these reactions, calls for a peaceful transition in Venezuela resonate, showcasing the complex geopolitical landscape following this significant event.

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.

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva wrote 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 called 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 accused the US of a criminal attack, while Uruguay said in an official statement that it was monitoring developments with attention and serious concern and rejects, as it always has, military intervention.

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 news agency Reuters.

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

The UK Prime Minister refused to be drawn into whether or not the military action may have broken international law. He stated he was a lifelong advocate of international law and would not shy away from this. Further, he emphasized the need for a peaceful transition in Venezuela.

The EU's top diplomat reiterated the bloc's position that Maduro lacks legitimacy, stressing that the principles of international law must be respected.

French President Emmanuel Macron called for a transition of power that must be peaceful, democratic, and respectful of the will of the Venezuelan people.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over the strikes, warning of a dangerous precedent for international law.

In the US, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the military action for lacking congressional authorization, characterizing it as reckless.

Meanwhile, congrats came from allies, with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praising Trump's leadership.

Canada's Foreign Minister called on all parties to respect international law, while Norway's Foreign Minister stated that the American intervention is not in accordance with international law.