Global Leaders Respond to the US Capture of Maduro in Venezuela

Mon Jan 05 2026 06:18:53 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

World leaders react with shock and condemnation following the US military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The geopolitical ramifications are significant, sparking a mixture of support and criticism across nations.

In a surprising military operation, the US captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, triggering a wave of international condemnation and support. Neighboring countries and Venezuela's allies have denounced the attacks as violations of sovereignty, while some leaders express support for the US intervention. The crisis raises questions about international law and the legitimacy of 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, which is locked in its own dispute with Trump over his promise of intervention in its country, called the strikes a flagrant violation of the country's national sovereignty.

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

Many Latin American leaders condemned the US actions. President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva in Brazil 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 termed the strikes an assault on the sovereignty of Latin America, while Cuba's 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.

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, according to the Reuters news agency.

In contrast, Argentinian President Javier Milei – who Trump has described as his favourite president – wrote Freedom moves forward and Long live freedom on social media.

Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer refused to be drawn into whether or not the military action may have broken international law. In an interview with the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme on Saturday morning, the prime minister did not condemn the US strikes.

He said he was waiting to establish all the facts but would not shy away from this, adding he was a lifelong advocate of international law.

The UK was not involved in the strikes and Sir Keir stated he had not spoken to Trump about the operation.

Later on Saturday, Sir Keir posted on X that the UK regarded Maduro as an illegitimate president and we shed no tears about the end of his regime.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed his deep concern that the rules of international law have not been respected, stating he was deeply alarmed by the strikes, which set a dangerous precedent. He called for an inclusive dialogue in Venezuela, emphasizing respect for human rights and the rule of law.

In the US, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer commented, Let me be clear, Maduro is an illegitimate dictator, but launching military action without congressional authorization, without a federal plan for what comes next, is reckless.