The United States faces mounting international isolation following its military strike on Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, with European leaders joining a global chorus of condemnation. France, Spain, and the European Commission have characterized the Saturday operation as a violation of fundamental international legal principles.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated clearly that the military operation violates the prohibition on the use of force that forms the foundation of international law, adding that no lasting political solution can be imposed from outside. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized that while his government never recognized Maduro, neither would it support interventions that breach international law and push regions toward conflict.
The Trump administration has defended the operation as necessary to combat drug trafficking, with plans to prosecute Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in New York on narcotics charges. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the charges relate to the drug trade, while President Trump stated the captured couple is aboard a ship heading to the United States.
Russia and China have issued particularly strong denunciations, with Moscow demanding the release of the captured leaders and Beijing condemning hegemonic behavior. The UN Secretary General has warned that the action sets a dangerous precedent, with his spokesperson emphasizing that international law must be respected by all nations without exception.
Latin American responses have varied dramatically based on political alignment, with Argentina’s right-wing president celebrating while Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Chile condemned the intervention. Colombia has moved to mobilize its military in anticipation of potential refugee flows, and experts are divided on whether the operation will lead to meaningful democratic change or simply create additional chaos and instability in Venezuela.