International reactions have sharply diverged following the unprecedented U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife on Saturday. The detained leader, now facing drug trafficking charges in New York, has become the focal point of a geopolitical storm that pits Western powers against traditional allies of Venezuela.
President Donald Trump’s administration has asserted its intention to temporarily govern the South American nation, stating the U.S. will “run Venezuela until we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.” This declaration has ignited fierce debate about sovereignty and international law.
Traditional Western allies exhibited measured support for the operation. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer notably declined to condemn the military action, stating his government would “shed no tears” for Maduro’s regime while emphasizing the need to establish all facts. The European Union, through top diplomat Kaja Kallas, reiterated its position that Maduro lacks legitimacy while calling for peaceful transition and respect for international law.
Conversely, a coalition of nations including Russia, China, Iran, and numerous Latin American countries issued strong condemnations. Chinese officials expressed being “deeply shocked” by the use of force against a sovereign nation, while Russia characterized the operation as “an act of armed aggression.” Regional leaders including Brazil’s President Lula da Silva, Colombian President Gustavo Petro, and Chilean President Gabriel Boric uniformly denounced the intervention as a violation of international law that threatens regional stability.
The United Nations expressed profound concern, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warning through a spokesperson that the operation sets a “dangerous precedent” by disregarding established international rules. Domestically, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the action as reckless despite acknowledging Maduro’s illegitimate status.
Amid the diplomatic turmoil, Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello has urged citizens to remain calm and trust the country’s leadership and military, while opposition figures and some international leaders have begun discussing transition possibilities.