World leaders have issued mixed reactions following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife by US forces. Several countries, including Russia, China, Iran, Brazil and Cuba, have condemned the US military action, calling it a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry has condemned what it described as a US act of armed aggression against Venezuela, urging restraint and warning against further escalation. In a statement today, Moscow said the pretexts cited to justify the action were untenable and called for dialogue, adding that it is ready to support diplomatic efforts.
China has also condemned the US airstrikes, describing them as hegemonic acts that seriously violate international law. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said it is deeply shocked by and strongly condemns what it called the blatant use of force against a sovereign state and its President. It called on the United States to abide by international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel also condemned the attack, calling for an urgent response from the international community.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry described the action as an act of aggression and a clear breach of the UN Charter and international law prohibiting the use of force against sovereign states.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned the US strikes and the capture of President Maduro, calling the action a violation of international law. He said it recalls the worst moments of political interference in Latin America and the Caribbean and threatens the region’s status as a zone of peace.
Meanwhile, European leaders urged restraint. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc is closely monitoring the situation and stressed respect for international law and the UN Charter.
However, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said any solution must respect international law and the UN Charter.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK was not involved in the operation and emphasised the need to uphold international law, while continuing talks with US counterparts.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called for de-escalation, while French President Emmanuel Macron said France supports a transition to democracy in Venezuela.
Meanwhile, Venezuela has strongly criticised the Trump-led US administration, describing the operation as a serious act of military aggression. The country has declared a national emergency and demanded the immediate release of President Maduro.
Vice President Delcy Rodríguez called for proof of life and disclosure of the location of President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López announced the deployment of military forces nationwide, and Venezuela has requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
