Major powers China and Russia have issued strong demands for the release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro following his capture by US forces in a military operation that has been widely condemned as illegal. The Saturday strikes on Caracas and subsequent seizure of the Venezuelan leader have created a diplomatic crisis between Washington and much of the international community.
China’s foreign ministry expressed deep shock and strong condemnation of the use of force against a sovereign country and its president, characterizing the American action as hegemonic behavior that threatens peace and security throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. The ministry urged the United States to abide by international law and stop violating the sovereignty and security of other nations.
Russia’s foreign ministry similarly condemned the operation as an unacceptable violation of Venezuelan sovereignty, demanding the immediate release of Maduro and his wife. The captured couple is currently being held by US forces and will be transported to New York to face drug trafficking charges, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi.
UN Secretary General António Guterres has warned through his spokesperson that the operation sets a dangerous precedent for international relations, stressing the critical importance of respecting the UN Charter and established legal norms. Brazil’s President Lula drew comparisons to historical US interventions in the region, characterizing the current action as crossing an unacceptable line.
The international response has divided largely along political lines, with European leaders calling for respect of international law while some right-wing South American governments have offered support. Colombia has mobilized its armed forces due to concerns about refugee flows, and security analysts question whether removing Maduro will achieve the Trump administration’s stated goals or simply create further instability in an already troubled region.