Global Leaders React to US Attack on Venezuela and Capture of Maduro

Mon Jan 05 2026 12:56:24 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

World leaders express a range of reactions following the US military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, igniting debates on international law and sovereignty.

The recent US military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has sparked widespread global reactions. While UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed indifference towards Maduro's fall, countries like Russia and China have condemned the action as a violation of sovereignty. Latin American leaders criticized the military intervention, highlighting concerns over its implications for international law, while some US allies, like Israel, supported it. The situation raises complex questions about legality and future governance in Venezuela.

Leaders around the world have responded with a mix of condemnation and support to the US capture of Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro.

Following a large-scale strike on Venezuela on Saturday, Maduro and his wife were captured by US forces and removed from the country. The pair have been indicted on drug charges in New York.

In an initial response, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his government would shed no tears for the end of Maduro's regime.

Neighbouring Latin American countries condemned the actions, as did Venezuela's long-term allies, Russia and China. China said it was deeply shocked and strongly condemns the use of force against a sovereign country and its president.

Russia accused the US of committing an act of armed aggression. Iran called the strikes a flagrant violation of the country's national sovereignty.

Trump said the US will run Venezuela until we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.

Many Latin American leaders condemned the US actions. Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva wrote on X that the actions cross an unacceptable line, adding that attacking countries in flagrant violation of international law is the first step toward a world of violence, chaos, and instability.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro called the strikes an assault on the sovereignty of Latin America, while Chile's President Gabriel Boric expressed concern and condemnation.

Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged citizens to remain calm and to trust the country's leadership and military, saying the world needs to speak out about this attack.

Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer refused to be drawn into whether or not the military action may have broken international law. He stated he would not shy away from this, adding he was a lifelong advocate of international law.

The EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas reiterated the bloc's position that Maduro lacks legitimacy and that the principles of international law must be respected.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed his deep concern that the rules of international law have not been respected and warned that the strikes set a dangerous precedent.

In the US, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the need for congressional authorization for military action, stating that while Maduro is an illegitimate dictator, the approach taken is reckless.