International Outcry: Global Leaders Respond to US Military Action in Venezuela

Mon Jan 05 2026 06:54:11 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The recent US military operation leading to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has sparked widespread condemnation and support across the globe. Leaders weigh in on the ramifications of this high-stakes intervention.

World leaders reacted strongly to the US military's capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, leading to calls for international law adherence and peace in the region. While some, like UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, showed support for the US actions, others, including leaders from Russia, China, and numerous Latin American countries, condemned it as an illegal violation of sovereignty. The situation poses significant implications for US foreign policy and the stability in Latin America.

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, which is locked in its own dispute with Trump, called the strikes a flagrant violation of the country's national sovereignty.

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

Many Latin American leaders condemned the US actions.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva wrote on X that the actions cross an unacceptable line, adding 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 Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel described it as a criminal attack.

Chile's President Gabriel Boric expressed concern and condemnation on X and called for a peaceful solution to the serious crisis affecting the country.

While the US actions have prompted international backlash, Argentinian President Javier Milei – who Trump has described as his favourite president – wrote Freedom moves forward and Long live freedom on social media.

The Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged citizens to remain calm and trust their leadership and military, stating, The world needs to speak out about this attack, according to Reuters.

In the US, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer remarked that while Maduro is an illegitimate dictator, military action without congressional authorization is reckless.

As discussions unfold, the world watches closely to see how this geopolitical matter impacts international relations and future interventions.