Global Leaders Express Condemnation and Support Following US Strike in Venezuela

Mon Jan 05 2026 12:31:03 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by US forces has met with a broad spectrum of international reactions, highlighting geopolitical tensions.

World leaders reacted strongly to the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, indicted on drug charges. While some, like the UK Prime Minister, showed no remorse for Maduro's regime, others, including Russia and China, condemned the US action as a violation of sovereignty. Latin American presidents voiced concerns over destabilization, while differing opinions emerged within the US Congress.

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

Many Latin American leaders condemned the US actions.

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva wrote on X that the actions cross an unacceptable line, adding that 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 Chile's President Gabriel Boric expressed concern and condemnation and called for a peaceful solution to the serious crisis affecting the country.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Cane accused the US of a criminal attack, while Uruguay said in an official statement that it was monitoring developments with attention and serious concern and rejects, as it always has, military intervention.

The 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 news agency Reuters.

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

The EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas reiterated the bloc's position that Maduro lacks legitimacy, that there should be a peaceful transition of power, and that the principles of international law must be respected.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the strikes, indicating they set a dangerous precedent. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Trump, calling his actions bold and historic.

Finally, Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Anand emphasized the importance of respecting international law and supporting the Venezuelan people in their quest for peace and democracy.