Mixed global reactions after US capture of Venezuela’s Maduro

CARACAS – 3 January 2026: Governments across the world issued sharply divided reactions on Saturday following a US military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro.

In the early hours of Saturday, the United States carried out an abrupt military operation across the Latin American country.

The strikes began in the capital, Caracas, and lasted for roughly an hour and a half, during which residents reported loud explosions, military aircraft overhead, and plumes of smoke rising above parts of the city.

The Venezuelan government confirmed that multiple regions were hit, including the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.

“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country,” US President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post.

World Reacts

Many countries have reacted after the operation, with some condemning the use of force while others voicing support or urging restraint.

China said it is “deeply shocked” by the operation, with its foreign ministry strongly condemning the use of force by the United States against a sovereign country and its president.

France also criticized the move. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the military operation “violates the principle of not resorting to force, that underpins international law.”

He stressed that “no lasting political solution can be imposed from outside and that only sovereign people themselves can decide their future.”

Russia’s foreign ministry described the US action as “an act of armed aggression” against Venezuela, calling it “deeply concerning and condemnable.”

In Latin America, reactions were also mixed.

Argentine President Javier Milei, a close regional ally of Trump, welcomed the development, writing on social media: “Freedom moves forward. Long live freedom.”

Meanwhile, Mexico’s foreign ministry encouraged dialogue and negotiation as “the only legitimate and effective means” of resolving disputes and expressed readiness to support efforts aimed at mediation and preserving regional peace.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said the bombings on Venezuelan territory and the capture of its president “cross an unacceptable line.”

Colombian President Gustavo Petro said his government rejects any unilateral military action that could aggravate the situation or put civilians at risk.

Meanwhile, Chilean President Gabriel Boric called for a peaceful solution to the crisis affecting the country.

In Europe, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said all countries should uphold international law.

The European Union said it is closely monitoring the situation.

European Union Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas reaffirmed the EU’s long-standing position that Maduro “lacks legitimacy.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc stands by the people of Venezuela and supports a peaceful and democratic transition.

Ukraine’s foreign minister said his country “has consistently defended the right of nations to live freely, free of dictatorship, oppression, and human rights violations,” accusing the Maduro government of “violating all such principles in every respect.”

President Alexander Lukashenko, meanwhile, said Belarus “categorically condemns the act of American aggression against Venezuela.”