The United States conducted a series of air strikes on Venezuela from Friday night to Saturday night, and President Donald Trump claimed that U.S. forces had captured and taken away the husband and wife of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The U.S. Attorney General said that the Maduro couple would face a severe trial by the American justice system. Maduro was charged in 2020 at the U.S. Southern District Court in New York with conspiracy to commit drug terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, and other weapons crimes. Reuters summarizes the reactions of various countries to this event:
Colombia
President Gustavo Petro of Colombia stated: "The Government of the Republic of Colombia is deeply concerned about the explosions and unusual aerial activities recently occurring in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, as well as the resulting escalation of tension in the region."
Colombia reiterated its unconditional commitment to the principles outlined in the UN Charter, particularly the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, the prohibition of the use or threat of force, and the peaceful resolution of international disputes. In this regard, the Colombian government opposes any unilateral military actions that may escalate the situation or endanger civilian safety.
Chile
President Gabriel Boric of Chile posted on X: "As the Chilean government, we are concerned and condemn the military action by the United States in Venezuela, and call for a peaceful resolution of the serious crisis affecting the country." "Chile reaffirms its commitment to the basic principles of international law, such as the prohibition of the use of force, non-intervention in internal affairs, the peaceful resolution of international disputes, and the maintenance of national territorial integrity."
Argentina
Argentine President Javier Milei, a staunch regional ally of Trump, stated: "Freedom moves forward. Long live freedom!" He uploaded a video containing his statement on X. Milei believes: "The era of taking a timid stance on this issue has passed."
Ecuador
President Gabriel Noboa of Ecuador posted on X: "The day of reckoning for all Chavista drug traffickers is coming. Their organization will eventually collapse across the entire continent of America."
Brazil
President Lula of Brazil posted on the social media platform X: "Bombing of the territory of Venezuela and the kidnapping of the president of the country have crossed an unacceptable line. These actions severely violate the sovereignty of Venezuela and set another extremely dangerous precedent for the entire international community." "Openly violating international law to attack other countries is the first step towards a world of violence, chaos, and instability, where might makes right over multilateralism."
Mexico
The Mexican Foreign Ministry stated: "The Government of Mexico strongly condemns and opposes the recent unilateral military action by the armed forces of the United States against targets within the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, which clearly violates Article 2 of the UN Charter." "Mexico reiterates that dialogue and negotiation are the only legitimate and effective way to resolve existing differences, and therefore reiterates its willingness to support any efforts aimed at maintaining regional peace and avoiding confrontation through dialogue, mediation, or accompaniment."
Uruguay
The Uruguayan Foreign Ministry stated: "The Eastern Republic of Uruguay is closely monitoring and seriously concerned about the events that have occurred in Venezuela in recent hours, including the air strikes on military facilities and civilian infrastructure in Venezuela." "Uruguay has always opposed military intervention in the territory of another country and reiterates the importance of respecting international law and the UN Charter, especially the fundamental principle that no state should resort to the threat or use of force to infringe upon the territorial integrity or political independence of any country, or act in any other way inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations."
Trinidad and Tobago
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago said: "This morning, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, the United States began a military operation inside Venezuela."
"Trinidad and Tobago is not involved in any ongoing military operation. Trinidad and Tobago continues to maintain peaceful relations with the people of Venezuela."
Europe/EU
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, said: "I have spoken with Secretary Marco Rubio and our ambassador in Caracas. The EU is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela." She said the EU has repeatedly stated that Maduro lacks legitimacy and has always defended a peaceful transition. In any case, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected. She called on all parties to exercise restraint.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated: "We are closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela. We stand with the people of Venezuela and support a peaceful, democratic transition. Any solution must respect international law and the UN Charter."
United Kingdom
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer made a statement to the BBC claiming: "I want to get to the facts first. I want to talk to President Trump. I want to talk to my allies. I can make it very clear that we are not involved... and I have always believed that we should uphold international law."
Starmer said London is working closely with the British embassy in Venezuela to ensure the safety of approximately 500 British citizens there. After the explosion in Caracas, the UK Foreign Office also updated its website on Saturday, advising British citizens not to travel to Venezuela. The UK does not recognize the controversial 2024 presidential election results that allowed Nicolas Maduro to be re-elected for a third term. The UK calls for a "peaceful transition of power" in Venezuela.
Several British politicians, including Green Party leader Zac Goldsmith and Liberal Democrat member Ed Davey, urged Keir Starmer to condemn the US intervention in Venezuela.
Spain
The Spanish Foreign Ministry statement: "Spain calls on all parties to de-escalate the situation, exercise restraint, and always act in accordance with the principles of international law and the UN Charter." "In this regard, Spain is willing to do everything possible to seek a solution to the current crisis through peaceful negotiations."
France
French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna stated that France reiterates that no lasting political solution can be imposed from the outside. She condemned the military action as a violation of the cornerstone of international law - the principle of non-use of force. Baro added in a statement on the X website: "The sovereign people should decide their own future."
Germany
The German Foreign Ministry stated: "We are closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela and are deeply concerned about the latest reports. The ministry maintains close contact with the embassy in Caracas. The situation remains unclear in some aspects at the moment."
Renowned member of the Christian Democratic Union, Rodrik Kiselev, stated: "With President Trump's rise to power, the United States is abandoning the rules-based order since 1945." "The coup in Venezuela marks the return of the old doctrine before the 1940s: a mindset oriented toward spheres of influence, where the law of force rather than international law dominates." He emphasized that "Trump is destroying the last bit of trust remaining in the United States."
Italy
The office of Italian Prime Minister Meloni issued a statement: "The Prime Minister is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela and is in close contact with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, especially to gather information about our compatriots."
AFP reported that Meloni considers the U.S. military action in Venezuela on Saturday to be legal, calling it a "defensive intervention," while emphasizing that force should not be used to achieve regime change. In her statement, she said: "The Italian government has consistently held that external military actions are not the way to end authoritarian regimes, but at the same time, it considers defensive military interventions to be legal against hybrid attacks [...] and entities that support and promote drug trafficking."
However, the leader of the opposition party and former Prime Minister of Italy, Giuseppe Conte, stated: "The U.S. invasion of Venezuela has no legal basis. We are facing an open violation of international law, which establishes the rule of the strongest and most equipped nation... I hope the entire international community can speak out, so that everyone understands that if rules apply only to enemies and not to friends, no one can feel safe anymore. The non-freedom nature of a government cannot be a reason to attack a sovereign country."
Poland
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said at a press conference: "We witnessed the attack by the U.S. military on Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. A major setback at the beginning of 2026. We will have the opportunity to analyze the impact of this attack on the situation in our region. Events like today's U.S. attack on Venezuela affect the whole world; we will respond and be prepared."
Ukraine
Foreign Minister Andriy Yermak stated: "Ukraine has always stood up for the right of peoples to live freely, free from dictatorship, oppression, and human rights violations. The Maduro regime violates all these principles in every aspect." "We support the further development according to the principles of international law, prioritizing democracy, human rights, and the interests of the people of Venezuela."
Russia
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated: "This morning, the United States launched an armed aggression against Venezuela. This is deeply worrying and should be condemned." It considered "the excuses for justifying this behavior to be baseless. Ideological hostility has overcome commercial pragmatism and the willingness to build relationships based on trust and predictability."
Venezuela is Russia's main ally in South America.
In another statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated: "Extremely shocked by the reports that President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela and his wife were forcibly expelled from the country due to the U.S. aggression today." President Trump announced on Saturday that the U.S. military had captured and evacuated the Venezuelan president after launching a "massive attack" on Venezuela.
Belarus
President Lukashenko of Belarus strongly condemned the U.S. aggression against Venezuela. Natalia Esmont, a spokesperson for President Lukashenko, spoke about the consequences of this action during an interview with an American journalist. Lukashenko specifically pointed out, "This will be the second Vietnam War. And the United States does not need such a war."
China
The Chinese Foreign Ministry responded to a reporter's question regarding the U.S. military strike on Venezuela, stating: "China is deeply shocked and strongly condemns the U.S. reckless use of force against a sovereign country and the attack on a head of state. Such hegemonic behavior by the U.S. seriously violates international law, infringes on the sovereignty of Venezuela, threatens the peace and security of the Latin American and Caribbean regions, and China firmly opposes it. We urge the U.S. to abide by international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and stop infringing on the sovereignty and security of other countries."
Iran
Iran, which maintains close relations with Venezuela, strongly condemned the U.S. military attack. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said: "It is important that when a person realizes that the enemy arrogantly tries to impose something on the country, officials, government, and people, one must resolutely oppose the enemy, stand up, and rise up in resistance. We will never submit to the enemy." "Relying on the Almighty God, trusting in God, and confidently relying on the support of the people, may God protect us, and by God's grace, we will surely subdue the enemy."
Indonesia
Indonesian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Yovanna Mewidang said that they are closely monitoring the developments in the situation in Venezuela to ensure the safety of their citizens. "Indonesia also calls on all relevant parties to prioritize resolving issues peacefully through de-escalation and dialogue, while prioritizing the protection of civilians." "Indonesia emphasizes the importance of respecting the principles of international law and the UN Charter."
Israel
On Saturday, the Israeli Foreign Minister stated that Israel welcomed the capture and removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the United States.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated on X: "Israel welcomes the downfall of this dictator who leads a drug and terrorism network and hopes that the country will restore democracy and establish friendly relations between the two countries."
United Nations
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Saturday that he is concerned about the U.S. action of arresting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, saying that it "did not comply with international law." Guterres said the U.S. action sets a "dangerous precedent" and called for "inclusive dialogue among all parties in Venezuela under the full respect of human rights and the rule of law."
Additionally, UN human rights experts condemned the U.S. naval blockade of Venezuela on Wednesday, calling it an "illegal armed aggression" violating international law.
Over the past few weeks, the U.S. has deployed significant military forces in the Caribbean region and imposed a naval blockade on Venezuela, accusing it of funding "drug terrorism."
These experts, commissioned by the UN Human Rights Council, do not speak on behalf of the organization. In their statement, they said: "No right exists to unilaterally impose sanctions through armed blockades."
The experts believe that the blockade of oil tankers deemed to be under sanctions constitutes "the use of force against another country" prohibited by Article 2 of the UN Charter.
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/7591179802560823818/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.