World leaders have issued sharply differing reactions to the United States’ “large-scale strike” in Venezuela and the subsequent arrest of President Nicolás Maduro, underscoring deep divisions within the international community over the operation.
The United Nations Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss the US action in Caracas, according to the Somali presidency of the Council. The session, scheduled for 10:00 a.m. (1500 GMT), was requested by Venezuela and conveyed through Colombia, diplomatic sources said.
Russia on Saturday condemned the operation and called for Maduro and his wife to be released. In a statement, the Russian foreign ministry urged Washington to “reconsider its position” and free what it described as the “legally elected president of a sovereign country.”
Italy struck a more supportive tone. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defended the US action as a legitimate act of defence, while cautioning against the use of external military force for regime change. In a statement, Meloni said defensive intervention could be justified in cases involving “hybrid attacks” and state-backed drug trafficking, even as she stressed that military action should not be a tool to overthrow governments.
France, however, strongly criticised the operation, saying it undermined international law. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said that while Maduro had “gravely violated” the rights of Venezuelans, his capture contravened the principle of non-use of force. He warned that no lasting solution to Venezuela’s crisis could be imposed from outside and cautioned that repeated violations of international law by major powers could have serious global security consequences.
Turkey called on all sides to exercise restraint, warning that the situation could have negative implications for regional and international security if it escalates further.
In Latin America, Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva denounced the US strikes as a “serious affront” to Venezuelan sovereignty. Writing on X, Lula said the bombings and the capture of the Venezuelan leader crossed “an unacceptable line” and threatened the region’s status as a zone of peace. He urged the international community, through the United Nations, to respond forcefully. Mexico has also voiced similar concerns.
China said it was “deeply shocked” by the US action and strongly condemned what it described as a blatant use of force against a sovereign state. Beijing accused Washington of violating international law, infringing on Venezuela’s sovereignty and threatening peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged all countries to uphold international law, stressing that the United Kingdom was not involved in the operation. Describing the situation as “fast-moving,” Starmer said he intended to speak with US President Donald Trump and other allies, while calling for patience until more facts emerged.
Germany adopted a more nuanced position. Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Maduro had “led his country to ruin” and noted that Germany had not recognised Venezuela’s last election, which it considers rigged. He also accused Maduro of playing a destabilising role in the region, including links to the drug trade. However, Merz said the legal implications of the US operation were complex and emphasised that international law must govern relations between states, warning against further political instability in Venezuela.
