The U.S. military strikes on Venezuela and the reported capture of President Nicolás Maduro have triggered strong and wide-ranging reactions from heads of state and governments around the world, with most condemning the action as a violation of international law.

Latin America & Spain

A joint statement from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Spain, and Uruguay rejected the U.S. intervention, warning it sets a dangerous precedent for regional peace and the global rules-based order.

• Brazil — President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called the strikes an “unacceptable line” and a grave affront to sovereignty.

• Chile — President Gabriel Boric condemned the military action and urged a peaceful solution.

• Colombia — President Gustavo Petro expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions.

• Mexico — Foreign Ministry said the strikes violate the UN Charter.

• Spain — Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez rejected both the Maduro regime and any intervention that violates international law.

• Uruguay — Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its opposition to any military intervention in another country’s territory.

Europe

European leaders largely emphasized de-escalation and legality.

• France — President Emmanuel Macron said Venezuela’s transition must be peaceful and democratic.

• Germany — Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the legal assessment is complex and warned against instability.

• United Kingdom — Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain was not involved and stressed respect for international law.

• Italy — Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said military action is not the solution to ending totalitarian regimes.

• Denmark — Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called for restraint.

• Norway — Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said the intervention was not in line with international law.

• European Union — Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said any solution must respect the UN Charter.

Global Powers & International Bodies

• United Nations — Secretary-General António Guterres warned the action sets a dangerous precedent.

• China — Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the use of force against a sovereign state.

• Russia — Foreign Ministry called the strikes armed aggression and urged dialogue.

• Iran — Foreign Ministry condemned the attack and called for UN Security Council action.

• South Africa — Government urged the UN Security Council to convene urgently.

• Japan — Foreign Ministry stressed democracy, international law, and protection of civilians.

Supportive Voices

A smaller group of leaders voiced support for Washington’s actions.

• Israel — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised U.S. President Donald Trump for what he called decisive leadership.

• Argentina — President Javier Milei described the developments as “excellent news for the free world.”

• Ecuador — President Daniel Noboa suggested the Maduro-aligned power structure is collapsing.

Canada & the Region

• Canada — Foreign Minister Anita Anand reiterated that Canada does not recognize the legitimacy of the Maduro regime but called for respect for international law and close coordination with allies.

• Peru, Panama, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago all urged democratic transitions and warned against further escalation.

A World on Edge

While many governments oppose Maduro and question the legitimacy of his rule, the overwhelming response from heads of state has been alarm at the U.S. military intervention itself. Calls for dialogue, restraint, and respect for international law dominate global reactions, as fears grow that the crisis could destabilize the region and reshape international norms.