World reacts to US strikes on Venezuela
The US attacked the country and deposed its President Nicolas Maduro
The following are reactions to Saturday’s (Jan 3) US strikes on Venezuela.
French President Emmanuel Macron:
“The transition to come must be peaceful, democratic, and respectful of the will of the Venezuelan people. We hope that President Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, elected in 2024, will be able to ensure this transition as quickly as possible,” Macron wrote on X.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz:
Merz said the legal assessment of the US operation is complex and “we will take our time” to evaluate it, adding that principles of international law must apply. He urged that “a transition to a government legitimised by elections must be ensured” and warned that “political instability must not arise in Venezuela”.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez:
“Spain did not recognise the Maduro regime. But neither will it recognise an intervention that violates international law and pushes the region toward a horizon of uncertainty and belligerence”, Sanchez wrote on X.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres:
“These developments constitute a dangerous precedent,” Guterres’ spokesperson said. “The secretary-general continues to emphasise the importance of full respect – by all – of international law, including the UN Charter. He’s deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
“Congratulations, President @realDonaldTrump for your bold and historic leadership on behalf of freedom and justice. I salute your decisive resolve and the brilliant action of your brave soldiers.”
Chinese foreign ministry:
“China is deeply shocked and strongly condemns the use of force by the US against a sovereign country and the use of force against the president of a country,” a ministry statement said.
Russia foreign ministry:
“This morning, the United States committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela. This is deeply concerning and condemnable.”
“The pretexts used to justify such actions are unfounded. Ideological animosity has prevailed over business pragmatism and the willingness to build relationships based on trust and predictability.”
“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.”
“Latin America must remain a zone of peace, as it declared itself to be in 2014. And Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny without any destructive, let alone military, interference from outside.”
“We support the statement by the Venezuelan authorities and the leaders of Latin American countries calling for an immediate meeting of the UN Security Council.”
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas:
“I have spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and our ambassador in Caracas. The EU is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela.
“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.”
Chile President Gabriel Boric on X:
“As the government of Chile, we express our concern and condemnation of the military actions of the United States in Venezuela and call for a peaceful solution to the serious crisis affecting the country.”
“Chile reaffirms its commitment to the basic principles of international law, such as the prohibition of the use of force, non-intervention, the peaceful settlement of international disputes, and the territorial integrity of States.”
Colombia President Gustavo Petro on X:
“The government of the Republic of Colombia views with deep concern the reports of explosions and unusual air activity in recent hours in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, as well as the resulting escalation of tension in the region.
“Colombia reaffirms its unconditional commitment to the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, in particular respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, the prohibition of the use or threat of use of force, and the peaceful settlement of international disputes. In this regard, the Colombian government rejects any unilateral military action that could aggravate the situation or put the civilian population at risk.
Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei:
“What matters is that when a person realises the enemy is arrogantly trying to impose something on the country, on the officials, on the government, and on the nation, one must stand firmly against the enemy and bare one’s chest in resistance. We will not yield to the enemy.”
Spanish foreign ministry:
“Spain calls for de-escalation and moderation, and for action to always be taken in accordance with international law and the principles of the UN Charter.”
“In this regard, Spain is willing to offer its good offices to achieve a peaceful and negotiated solution to the current crisis.”
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar:
“Earlier this morning, Saturday, Jan 3, 2026, the United States commenced military operations within the territory of Venezuela.
“Trinidad and Tobago is not a participant in any of these ongoing military operations. Trinidad and Tobago continues to maintain peaceful relations with the people of Venezuela.”
Roderich Kiesewetter, MP from Germany’s conservative Christian Democratic Union:
“With President Trump, the US are abandoning the rules-based order that has shaped us since 1945.”
“The coup in Venezuela marks a return to the old US doctrine from before 1940: a mindset of thinking in terms of spheres of influence, where the law of force rules, not international law.”
“Trump is destroying what was left of any trust in the US.”
Britain’s Reform UK Party leader Nigel Farage:
“The American actions in Venezuela overnight are unorthodox and contrary to international law – but if they make China and Russia think twice, it may be a good thing.”
“I hope the Venezuelan people can now turn a new leaf without Maduro.”
Italian opposition party leader and former prime minister Giuseppe Conte:
“The American aggression against Venezuela has no legal basis. We are facing a blatant violation of international law, which certifies the dominance of the strongest and best equipped militarily... I hope that the entire international community will make its voice heard and that everyone will understand that if rules only apply to enemies and not to friends, no one can feel safe anymore. Nor can the illiberal nature of a government’s rule justify an attack to a sovereign state”.
UK Chatham House think tank’s programme director for international law, Marc Weller:
“International law prohibits the use of force as a means of national policy. Short of a UN Chapter VII mandate, force is only available in response to an armed attack or possibly to rescue a population under imminent threat of extermination.”
“Clearly, none of these requirements are fulfilled by the armed operation against Venezuela. The US interest in repressing the drugs trade or claims that the Maduro government was in essence a criminal enterprise offers no legal justification.”
Indonesia’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Yvonne Mewengkang:
Indonesia is monitoring developments in Venezuela to ensure the safety of its citizens.
“Indonesia also calls on all relevant parties to prioritise peaceful resolution through de-escalation and dialogue, while prioritising the protection of civilians.”
“Indonesia emphasises the importance of respecting international law and the principles of the UN Charter.”
Belarus foreign ministry:
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus categorically condemns the armed aggression committed on Jan 3, 2026, against the sovereign state of Venezuela and considers it a direct threat to international peace and security.”
“The Belarusian side declares its unwavering support for the legitimate government of Venezuela... The Republic of Belarus emphasises that the right of the Venezuelan people to determine their own destiny is inviolable. No form of external interference, especially by force, can be justified.” REUTERS
Decoding Asia newsletter: your guide to navigating Asia in a new global order. Sign up here to get Decoding Asia newsletter. Delivered to your inbox. Free.
Copyright SPH Media. All rights reserved.
