Background on Nicolás Maduro and His Capture
Nicolás Maduro, the embattled president of Venezuela, was apprehended by U.S. forces during a military operation on Saturday. Maduro spent his first night in a New York prison, following which the U.S. claims to have taken control of the oil-rich South American nation.
Reactions from Key Countries
China
China urged the U.S. to “immediately release” Maduro and his wife, as well as abandon plans to overthrow the Venezuelan government. The Chinese foreign ministry described the Caracas attack as a threat to “peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean” and criticized Washington’s “hegemonic behavior.”
Brazil
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned the attack on Venezuela and Maduro’s capture, calling it unacceptable. He urged the international community, through the United Nations, to respond robustly.
Russia
The Russian Foreign Ministry firmly requested the U.S. to “reconsider its stance and release” Maduro and his wife.
Mexico
Mexico’s foreign ministry condemned the unilateral military actions against Venezuela in a statement.
Colombia
Colombian President Gustavo Petro rejected the missile attacks in Caracas and ordered the mobilization of military forces along the border. He called for an immediate meeting by the UN Security Council, which has been scheduled for Monday.
Chile
Outgoing Chilean President Gabriel Boric expressed strong condemnation, particularly regarding the announcement of a foreign state attempting direct control over Venezuelan territory. He warned, “Today it’s Venezuela, but tomorrow it could be any other country.”
Cuba
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, an ally of Caracas, stated that the U.S. lacks moral authority to forcibly remove Maduro from his country but is responsible for his physical safety on the global stage.
United Nations
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern over respect for international law, according to a UN spokesperson.
Iran
Iran, which was bombed under Trump’s orders last year, condemned the U.S. military attack “firmly.”
European Union
EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas called for restraint and respect for international law after speaking with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Spain
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated in X that Spain did not recognize Maduro’s regime but also wouldn’t acknowledge an intervention violating international law.
France
French President Emmanuel Macron declared on Saturday that only the Venezolan people could “rejoice” at the end of Maduro’s “dictatorship” and demanded a peaceful transition.
Germany
Chancellor Friedrich Merz considered Maduro had “led his country to ruin,” citing his problematic regional role, including involvement in drug trafficking.
Italy
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni deemed the U.S. defensive intervention in Venezuela “legitimate,” though she emphasized that military external action isn’t the solution to end totalitarian regimes, as per a statement.
United Kingdom
Prime Minister Keir Starmer asserted that all countries must “respect international law” and confirmed the UK’s non-participation in the operation.
Panama
President José Raúl Mulino wished for an “ordered and legitimate” transition process in Venezuela.
Guatemala
Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo called for an end to unilateral military actions and respect for the principles of the UN Charter.
Argentina
President Javier Milei hailed the U.S. operation as the fall of a dictator who manipulated elections, benefiting not just Venezuela but the region.
Ecuador
President Daniel Noboa tweeted that the hour of criminally corrupt Chavist criminals has come, and their structure will crumble across the continent.
North Korea
North Korea, a longtime adversary of the U.S., denounced the hegemonic act in Venezuela as the most severe violation of sovereignty, reinforcing its view of Washington as dishonest and brutal.
Israel
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported the U.S.’s “energetic action” to restore freedom and justice, praising the operation’s success and expressing joy over several Latin American nations returning to the U.S. orbit.
Vatican
Pope Leo XIV emphasized that the well-being of the Venezuelan people should prevail over any other considerations, leading to an end of violence and pursuing justice and peace while ensuring Venezuela’s sovereignty.
U.S. Senators’ Views
Democratic Senator Brian Schatz stated on X that the U.S. has no vital national interests in Venezuela warranting war. Senator Rubén Gallego described the action as “illegal,” asserting there’s no justification for war with Venezuela.
Key Takeaways
The international community’s reactions to the U.S. operation capturing Nicolás Maduro are diverse, ranging from condemnation and calls for respect of international law to support for the action. Countries like China, Russia, and Iran have criticized the U.S., while others, including several Latin American nations and European countries, have expressed concerns about the implications of the intervention.
