Leaders worldwide are promptly reacting to reports of a U.S. assault on Venezuela overnight, resulting in the apprehension of President Nicolás Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores. Some leaders are diplomatically monitoring the situation and advocating adherence to 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 strike on the oil-rich nation, leading to the removal of the captured Maduro and his wife from the country — a significant escalation in the U.S.’s already contentious approach to Venezuela. President Donald Trump initially disclosed the events on social media shortly 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 events, which reportedly represent the most direct U.S. intervention in the region since 1989.
Latin American officials swiftly issued responses, with right-wing nations in the region expressing more support for Trump’s actions, while left-wing-led countries strongly condemned them. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva strongly criticized the bombings on Venezuelan territory and the capture of its president, describing them as an unacceptable violation of international law and a dangerous precedent for the international community.
Mexico, Chile, Cuba, and Uruguay communicated their non-support for foreign military interventions. Mexico emphasized the importance of dialogue and negotiation as the legitimate means to resolve differences, condemning the U.S.’s unilateral military actions.
Reactions varied globally, with Russia expressing deep concern over Maduro’s capture, labeling it a grave violation of sovereignty and international law. Iran and China strongly criticized the use of force, while traditional U.S. allies called for restraint and adherence to the rule of law.
European Union officials refrained from condemning Trump’s actions, opting to closely monitor the situation and emphasize the respect for international law and the UN Charter. Individual European leaders, such as the Prime Minister of Spain and the Prime Minister of Slovakia, voiced their disapproval of the U.S. military action in Venezuela and called for a peaceful transition while upholding international norms.
Several countries, including Italy and Poland, are coordinating with their embassies in Venezuela to assist their citizens in the country.