Global leaders react sharply to U.S. strike and capture of Venezuela’s president

World leaders reacted swiftly and forcefully on today after the United States confirmed it had launched a large-scale military strike on Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, marking the most direct U.S. intervention in the country in decades.

The dramatic escalation was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump in a social media post shortly after 4:30 a.m. ET. U.S. officials later confirmed that Maduro and Flores were transported out of Venezuela following the overnight operation. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the pair are facing charges in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

The action has drawn mixed reactions across Latin America and the wider international community, with responses largely divided along political lines.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva issued one of the strongest condemnations, calling the strike and capture “an unacceptable line” and a “grave affront” to Venezuela’s sovereignty. Writing on X, Lula said the operation amounted to a “flagrant violation of international law” and warned it set a dangerous precedent reminiscent of past foreign interference in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Mexico, Chile, Cuba and Uruguay also rejected the use of foreign military force, with Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Ministry reiterating that dialogue and negotiation remain the only legitimate means of resolving regional disputes.

By contrast, right-wing leaders in the region voiced support. Argentine President Javier Milei, a close Trump ally, praised the developments in a celebratory post, while Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino said his government supports democratic processes reflecting the will of the Venezuelan people.

Beyond the Americas, major global powers expressed alarm. Russia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry described the capture as a “grave violation of sovereignty and international law,” accusing Washington of armed aggression. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Chinese officials also strongly condemned the use of force, with Beijing saying it was “shocked” by the escalation.

European leaders struck a more cautious tone. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc is closely monitoring developments while urging restraint and respect for international law. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed those calls. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez rejected both Maduro’s legitimacy and any intervention that violates international law.

As the situation continues to unfold, the capture of Venezuela’s president has intensified global debate over sovereignty, international law and the future stability of the region.

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