The United States’ military operation in Venezuela and the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores have drawn sharp and divided reactions from governments across the world, intensifying debate over international law, sovereignty, and the use of force.
US authorities have filed criminal charges against Maduro related to drug trafficking and terrorism. According to US officials, he is scheduled to appear before a federal court in Manhattan on Sunday. Maduro was transferred to New York City late Saturday under custody and is expected to be held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
The arrest also prompted protests inside the United States. Demonstrations were reported in Boston and Minneapolis, where protesters carried placards calling for an end to what they described as “wars for oil.”
International Community Divided Over US Action
Washington’s move has split the international community, with several countries condemning the operation while some US allies expressed support.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement denouncing the US military action as “deeply troubling and condemnable,” arguing that the justifications presented were unfounded. Moscow called for a diplomatic resolution and demanded the release of Maduro and his wife.
China condemned the operation as a violation of international law and the use of force against a sovereign state, warning that such actions could undermine peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean. Iran described the US military strike as a clear violation of national sovereignty and territorial integrity, while Cuba condemned the operation and urged the international community to respond.
Europe Urges Legal Review, Some Allies Voice Support
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the legal assessment of the US operation was complex and required careful examination, stressing that international law must be respected and warning against further political instability in Venezuela.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reiterated that Spain does not recognize the Maduro government but said any intervention that violates international law is unacceptable. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain was not involved in the operation and would respond only after establishing all the facts.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union stands with the Venezuelan people and stressed that any solution must be peaceful and lawful.
At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated US President Donald Trump, describing the operation as “brave and historic leadership” in support of freedom and justice. Argentine President Javier Milei welcomed the development as “excellent news for the free world,” calling it the collapse of a dictatorship accused of electoral manipulation.
Calls for Diplomacy and UN Engagement
South Africa called on the United Nations Security Council to convene an emergency meeting, warning of potential consequences for international peace and security.
Mexico’s Foreign Ministry condemned the US military action, stating that it violated Article 2 of the UN Charter. Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand urged all parties to respect international law and said Canada supports the Venezuelan people’s peaceful and democratic aspirations.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said the bombing and arrest of a sitting president crossed an unacceptable line and amounted to a serious assault on national sovereignty. Chile, Uruguay, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Norway, Denmark, Slovakia and the Czech Republic also opposed military intervention, calling instead for diplomatic engagement and a democratic transition.
Iran, Belarus and Nicaragua issued strong condemnations of the US action, describing it as a violation of sovereignty. Ukraine said the Maduro government bears responsibility for human rights violations and called for a solution consistent with democratic values.
