Leaders worldwide are swiftly reacting to reports of a U.S. attack on Venezuela overnight, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Some leaders are diplomatically monitoring the situation and emphasizing respect for the rule of law, while others strongly denounce the U.S.’s actions as “unacceptable.”
The news emerged early Saturday following a U.S. government offensive on the oil-rich nation, leading to the removal of the captured Maduro and his wife from the country — a significant escalation in the U.S.’s already contentious stance towards Venezuela. President Donald Trump initially disclosed the events on social media shortly after 4:30 a.m. ET. Maduro and his wife are now facing indictments in the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York, as confirmed by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi on the X social media platform.
Global officials are closely monitoring the evolving situation, which reportedly represents the most direct U.S. intervention in the region since 1989.
In Latin America, responses from various countries varied. Right-wing nations in the region expressed more support for the U.S.’s actions, while left-wing-led countries strongly criticized them. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva issued a lengthy and condemning statement on X, denouncing the bombings on Venezuelan territory and the capture of its president as a severe violation of international law and a dangerous precedent for the international community.
Mexico, Chile, Cuba, and Uruguay have voiced opposition to foreign military interventions, with Mexico specifically emphasizing the importance of dialogue and negotiation for conflict resolution. Meanwhile, supporters of Trump in Argentina, Peru, and Ecuador have expressed approval of the developments.
On the global stage, major players such as Russia, Iran, and China have strongly condemned the situation. Russia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry expressed deep concern over Maduro’s capture, labeling it a grave violation of sovereignty and international law. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei emphasized the need to resist against perceived enemy interference, while China expressed shock and disapproval of the use of force.
European Union officials refrained from outright condemnation, opting instead to closely monitor the situation. They stressed the importance of respecting international law and the UN Charter while calling for restraint. European leaders like Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico have criticized the U.S. military action in Venezuela, highlighting concerns about the breakdown of the post-World War II world order.
Several countries, including Italy and Poland, have confirmed their engagement with embassies in Venezuela to assist their citizens amid the escalating situation.
