International leaders reacted swiftly to the United States military intervention in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, with many nations condemning the action as a violation of international law while a smaller group of allies expressed support.
Russia's foreign ministry issued one of the strongest condemnations, accusing Washington of "an act of armed aggression against Venezuela" and calling the intervention "deeply concerning and condemnable." The statement demanded an immediate end to what it described as illegal military operations.
China expressed being "deeply shocked" by the U.S. intervention, with the foreign ministry condemning it as a "blatant use of force." Beijing stated that "such hegemonic acts of the U.S. seriously violate international law and Venezuela's sovereignty, and threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean region."
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva wrote on social media that "bombings on Venezuelan territory and the capture of its president cross an unacceptable line," calling the action "a most serious affront to Venezuela's sovereignty." Mexico similarly condemned the intervention as a "clear violation" of international law.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel called it a "criminal attack," while Iran condemned the strikes as a "flagrant violation of the national sovereignty and territorial integrity" of Venezuela.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed being "deeply alarmed" by the U.S. action, warning that it sets "a dangerous precedent" for international relations. He called for restraint and respect for international law.
European reactions were mixed. France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot accused the United States of violating international law, stating "no lasting political solution can be imposed from the outside." British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that the UK "was not involved" and stressed that "we should all uphold international law."
However, some nations expressed support for the operation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised President Trump for his "bold and historic leadership on behalf of freedom and justice." Argentine President Javier Milei, a key Trump ally, also praised the military action.
Several Democrats in Congress have called the intervention illegal, arguing that President Trump did not obtain Congressional authorization. Senator Tim Kaine told reporters that "the Constitution is clear that the U.S. doesn't engage in military action or war without a vote of Congress except in cases of imminent self-defense."
The international community remains divided as diplomatic discussions continue regarding the future of Venezuela and the implications of unilateral military action in Latin America.
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