Leaders worldwide are swiftly reacting to reports of a U.S. attack on Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Some leaders are responding diplomatically, monitoring the situation and emphasizing the rule of law, while others are strongly denouncing the U.S.’s actions as “unacceptable.”
The news emerged early on Saturday following a U.S. government offensive on the oil-rich nation, culminating in the removal of the captured Maduro and his wife from the country. This marks a significant escalation in the U.S.’s contentious approach to Venezuela. President Donald Trump announced these developments on social media just after 4:30 a.m. ET. Maduro and his wife have since been indicted in the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York, as confirmed by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi on the social media platform X.
Global officials are closely monitoring the unfolding situation, described as the most direct U.S. intervention in the region since 1989. Leaders across Latin America swiftly issued responses, with right-wing nations supporting Trump’s actions and left-wing governments strongly condemning them.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed disapproval, calling the bombings and capture of the Venezuelan president an “unacceptable” violation of sovereignty and international law, setting a dangerous precedent for the international community. Mexico, Chile, Cuba, and Uruguay reiterated their opposition to foreign military interventions, emphasizing dialogue and negotiation as the legitimate means to resolve disputes.
On the global stage, Russia expressed deep concern over Maduro’s capture, condemning it as a grave violation of sovereignty and international law. Iran and China also criticized the use of force, while traditional U.S. allies called for restraint and adherence to the rule of law. European Union officials emphasized the need for a peaceful and democratic transition in Venezuela, urging respect for international law and the UN Charter.
In Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized non-recognition of a U.S. intervention violating international law, urging all parties to prioritize the civilian population’s well-being and pursue a fair and dialogued transition. Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico condemned the U.S. military action in Venezuela as indicative of a breakdown in the post-World War II world order. Several countries, including Italy and Poland, are coordinating with embassies in Venezuela to support their citizens in the country.