Global Shock and Division After U.S. Topples Nicolás Maduro: World Leaders React

The United States' military operation to seize Caracas and remove Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has unsettled many international partners while drawing praise from some supporters of former President Donald Trump. Trump declared the U.S. would 'run' Venezuela and exploit its large oil reserves; Maduro and his wife were transported to New York City to face drug-trafficking and weapons charges, according to U.S. authorities.

Global Reactions

Countries with longstanding ties to Maduro — notably China, Russia and Iran — promptly condemned the operation. Several Western and regional allies expressed alarm, citing concerns about sovereignty, international law and the risk of regional instability. Italy and Israel were notable exceptions, offering public support for the U.S. action.

Notable Responses

China — Urged that Maduro be 'immediately released', calling the operation a clear violation of international law, basic norms of international relations, and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

Russia — Demanded that U.S. leaders 'reconsider their position and release the legally elected president of the sovereign country and his wife.'

North Korea — Denounced the U.S. capture of Maduro as a 'serious encroachment of sovereignty.'

Iran — Strongly condemned the attack as a flagrant violation of Venezuela's national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Mexico — Said the operation 'seriously jeopardises regional stability' and strongly condemned the intervention.

Colombia — President Gustavo Petro called the action an 'assault on the sovereignty' of Latin America and warned it could provoke a humanitarian crisis.

Cuba — Denounced what it called 'state terrorism against the brave Venezuelan people.'

France — Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the operation undermined international law and argued no solution can be imposed externally; President Emmanuel Macron later said Venezuelans 'can only rejoice' at Maduro's overthrow.

Spain — Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the intervention 'violates international law and pushes the region toward a horizon of uncertainty and militarism.'

European Union — Foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged restraint and respect for international law while noting that Maduro 'lacks legitimacy.' The EU issued a statement signed by all member states except Hungary emphasizing that respecting the will of the Venezuelan people is the only path to restoring democracy.

United Kingdom — Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK would discuss the 'evolving situation' with the U.S. but added Britain would 'shed no tears' for the demise of Maduro's 'regime.'

Italy — Far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a Trump ally, called the U.S. action 'legitimate' and 'defensive' and said she had spoken with opposition leader María Corina Machado about a transition of power.

Israel — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel supported the U.S. 'strong action' to 'restore freedom and justice' in the region.

Ukraine — Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga emphasized Maduro's lack of legitimacy and the Venezuelan government's repression while expressing support for democracy and human rights.

South Africa — Warned that unlawful, unilateral force of this kind undermines international stability and the principle of equality among nations.

United Nations — Secretary-General António Guterres said he was 'deeply alarmed' by the strikes and warned the operation could 'constitute a dangerous precedent.'

Pope — Pope Leo XIV urged that 'the welfare of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over all other considerations.'

Implications

The operation has sharply divided global opinion: some governments and leaders hail Maduro's removal as an opportunity for change in Venezuela, while many others condemn the intervention as a breach of sovereignty that risks setting a dangerous international precedent and exacerbating regional instability and humanitarian suffering. Diplomatic fallout is likely to continue as governments weigh legal, political and security consequences.