World leaders react to US capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro

World leaders have responded with a mix of condemnation and support for the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Following a large-scale strike in Venezuela on Saturday, Maduro and his wife were captured by US forces and expelled from the country. Both men were charged with drugs in New York.

In an initial response, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his government “do not shed tears” for the end of the Maduro regime.

Neighboring Latin American countries condemned the actions, as did Venezuela’s longtime allies Russia and China. China said it was “deeply shocked and strongly condemns” the use of force against a sovereign country and its president.

Russia accused the United States of committing “an act of armed aggression.”

Iran, which is locked in his own dispute with Trump following his promise of intervention in his country, described these strikes as “a blatant violation of the country’s national sovereignty”.

Trump said the United States would “lead” Venezuela “until we can make a safe, appropriate and wise transition.”

Many Latin American leaders have condemned the U.S. actions.

President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva in Brazil written the that these actions “cross an unacceptable line”, adding that “attacking countries in flagrant violation of international law is the first step towards a world of violence, chaos and instability”.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro called the strikes an “attack on the sovereignty” of Latin America, while Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel called them a “criminal attack.”

Chilean President Gabriel Boric expressed “his concern and condemnation” of X and called for “a peaceful solution to the serious crisis affecting the country.”

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Cane accused the United States of a “criminal attack,” while Uruguay said in an official statement that it was following developments “with attention and serious concern” and “rejected, as it always has, any military intervention.”

Trump has indicated that Cuba could be part of a broader U.S. policy in the region, calling it a failed nation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Cuba was a disaster run by incompetent leaders who supported Maduro’s administration. He said the government in Havana should be concerned

Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged citizens to remain calm and trust the country’s leaders and military, saying, “The world must speak out about this attack,” according to the Reuters news agency.

But Argentine President Javier Milei – whom Trump described as his “favorite president” – wrote “Freedom advances” and “Long live freedom” on social networks.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer refused to comment on whether or not the military action may have broken international law.

In an interview with the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg on Saturday morning, the Prime Minister did not condemn the US strikes.

He said he was waiting to establish all the facts but would “not back down from that”, adding that he was “a long-time defender of international law”.

The UK was not involved in the strikes and Sir Keir said he had not spoken to Trump about the operation.

Later on Saturday, Sir Keir posted on X that the UK “considers Maduro an illegitimate president and we shed no tears over the end of his regime”.

“The UK government will discuss developments with its US counterparts in the coming days as we seek a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people,” he added.

The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, reiterated the bloc’s position that Maduro lacks legitimacy, that there should be a peaceful transition of power and that the principles of international law must be respected.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the transition of power “must be peaceful, democratic and respectful of the will of the Venezuelan people.” post on.

He added that he hoped González – the opposition candidate for the 2024 presidential election – could ensure the transition.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the legality of the US operation was “complex” and that international law in general must apply.

He warned that “political instability must not appear in Venezuela.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was “deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected,” his spokesperson said. He said he was “deeply alarmed” by these strikes, which set a “dangerous precedent”.

He called on all actors in Venezuela to engage in inclusive dialogue, with full respect for human rights and the rule of law.

In the United States, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, said: “Let’s be clear, Maduro is an illegitimate dictator, but launching military action without congressional authorization, without a federal plan for what comes next, is reckless. »