Here's How The World Reacted To US Military Operation In Venezuela, Maduro's Capture

Last Updated:January 04, 2026, 16:22 IST

The US operation in Venezuela and Nicolas Maduro's capture sparked a divided response, with several countries calling it a violation of international law.

Trump posted the first image of Maduro aboard a US military ship.

Venezuela Crisis: The United States launched an unprecedented military operation in Venezuela that led to the dramatic capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Maduro’s capture has plunged Venezuela into political uncertainty, with Washington asserting it will ‘run’ the country till a ‘safe’ transition. FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES

reaction has been swift. Russia, Iran, Brazil, China, the EU, the UK and others condemned the strikes or urged restraint and respect for international law, while others welcomed the end of Maduro’s regime.

India

India offered a guarded response, saying that recent developments in Venezuela were a matter of deep concern and that it is closely monitoring the situation after Maduro’s arrest. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India supports the well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela and called on all sides to resolve issues peacefully through dialogue, to ensure peace and stability in the region.

China

China expressed shock at the development and called on the United States to release Maduro and his wife and “resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation." It said the US operation was in clear violation of international law, basic norms in international relations, and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

“China calls on the US to ensure the personal safety of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, release them at once, stop toppling the government of Venezuela, and resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation," it added.

Russia

The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes as “an act of armed aggression against Venezuela". It called Maduro a “legitimately elected leader" and stressed that issues between the two countries should be resolved through dialogue. “This is deeply concerning and condemnable. In the current situation, it is important, first and foremost, to prevent further escalation and to focus on finding a way out of the situation through dialogue," it added.

Iran

Iran also condemned the US strikes, accusing Washington of violating Venezuela’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Iranian foreign ministry in a statement said it “strongly condemns the American military attack on Venezuela and the flagrant violation of the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country."

Spain

Spain offered a more diplomatic tone, calling for restraint and de-escalation from all sides. The Spanish foreign ministry said Madrid was prepared to act as a mediator to help achieve a peaceful and negotiated solution to the crisis.

UK

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK was not involved in the US-led strikes on Venezuela, and called on all countries to uphold international law. “I can be absolutely clear that we were not involved in that. And as you know, I always say and believe we should all uphold international law," he noted.

EU

The European Union stressed the importance of restraint and adherence to international law. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she had spoken with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the EU’s ambassador in Caracas. “The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition. Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected. We call for restraint," she said.

Australia

Australian PM Anthony Albanese said it was monitoring the situation in Venezuela and urged all parties to support dialogue and diplomacy to prevent escalation. “Australia has long held concerns about the situation in Venezuela, including the need to respect democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms. We continue to support international law and a peaceful, democratic transition in Venezuela that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people," he said.

Canada

Canadian PM Mark Carney welcomed “the opportunity for freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity for the Venezuelan people." It condemned the Maduro regime’s breaches of international security and human rights violations, and called on all parties to respect international law.

Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly congratulated US President Donald Trump for the operation, praising Trump’s leadership and the military action as decisive support for freedom and justice. “I salute your decisive resolve and the brilliant action of your brave soldiers," he wrote on X.

Malaysia

Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim expressed concern over the situation in Venezuela, calling the US operation “of unusual scope and nature. He described it as a violation of international law and an unlawful use of force against a sovereign state and called for the release of Maduro and his wife without “any undue delay".

“Whatever may be the reasons, the forcible removal of a sitting head of government through external action sets a dangerous precedent. It erodes fundamental restraints on the use of power between states and weakens the legal framework that underpins international order," he said.

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