Leaders in Greenland, Mexico, and Colombia are asserting their countries’ sovereignty and resisting pressure from the U.S. after the removal of Nicolás Maduro from power in Venezuela over the weekend. The unexpected move has surprised global leaders, especially those who have also faced U.S. intervention threats.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum firmly rejected any interference in other countries’ internal affairs, emphasizing Mexico’s sovereignty and opposing Washington’s actions. Despite cooperating with the U.S. on drug trafficking and security, Sheinbaum stressed that Mexico is a free and sovereign nation, open to cooperation but not subordination or intervention.
Observers note Mexico’s increased compliance with U.S. requests since the imposition of tariffs by Trump. The current administration has intensified efforts against drug cartels, leading to more arrests, drug seizures, and extraditions, along with accepting more deportees from elsewhere. Political analyst Carlos Pérez Ricart warned that any U.S. military intervention in Mexico could jeopardize this cooperation, leaving the U.S. without a crucial partner.
While acknowledging the slim likelihood of U.S. military intervention in Mexico, Pérez Ricart highlighted the unpredictable nature of U.S. actions, cautioning that all possibilities, even previously unthinkable ones, remain on the table. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the U.S.’s disregard for international law, fearing potential precedents impacting future global relations.
In Colombia, President Gustavo Petro vehemently opposed potential U.S. strikes targeting drug traffickers in his country. He cited record cocaine seizures and warned against potential civilian casualties resulting from such actions. Petro, a former leftist guerrilla member, vowed a return to armed resistance if the U.S. attacked Colombia and dismissed allegations of drug trafficking leveled against his government.
Conversely, Greenland’s Prime Minister emphasized the country’s democratic principles and downplayed concerns of an abrupt U.S. takeover, despite Trump’s interest in the territory’s strategic importance. Greenland, not likening its situation to Venezuela’s, seeks to enhance ties with the U.S., given its pivotal location for U.S. ballistic missile defense and valuable mineral resources supporting American trade objectives.
As discussions continue surrounding Greenland’s status within NATO and Denmark’s stance on U.S. involvement, European leaders, including the UK’s Keir Starmer and Germany’s Johann Wadephul, emphasized Greenland and Denmark’s autonomy in deciding their future. The European Union reiterated its support for national sovereignty principles amidst the evolving geopolitical landscape.
