Global reactions poured in Saturday after United States President Donald Trump confirmed American military strikes in Venezuela and announced the detention of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro along with his wife.
The development triggered sharp condemnation from several US adversaries and neighbouring countries in Latin America, while governments in Europe and beyond urged restraint, warning against further escalation and stressing concern for their citizens inside Venezuela.
Latin America urges calm
Colombia, which shares a long and sensitive border with Venezuela, called for immediate de-escalation and said it had activated measures to safeguard civilians and maintain stability along the frontier.
The Colombian government also said it was preparing to respond swiftly to any humanitarian or migration pressures that could arise from the unfolding situation.
Cuba reacted strongly, with President Miguel Díaz-Canel describing the US action as a “criminal attack” on Venezuela and calling for an urgent response from the international community.
Iran, Russia denounce US move
Iran condemned the strikes as a clear breach of Venezuela’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to multiple international media reports.
The condemnation came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, following President Trump’s recent warning that the United States was “locked and loaded” after reports of deaths during protests in Iran.
Russia’s foreign ministry accused Washington of carrying out an act of armed aggression against Venezuela, calling the move deeply alarming and unacceptable.
In a statement cited by Reuters, Moscow said the justifications offered for the operation were baseless and driven by ideological hostility rather than pragmatic diplomacy, urging all sides to avoid further escalation and return to dialogue.
Russia also backed calls for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council and said Venezuela must be allowed to determine its future without external military interference.
Europe calls for restraint
European leaders largely focused on de-escalation and the safety of their nationals in Venezuela.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she had spoken with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the EU’s envoy in Caracas, adding that the bloc was closely monitoring developments.
While reiterating the EU’s position that Maduro lacks political legitimacy, she stressed that international law and the UN Charter must be respected in all circumstances, saying the protection of EU citizens remained the top priority.
Italy and Belgium echoed similar concerns, saying they were closely tracking the situation and taking steps to ensure the safety of their nationals.
Spain’s foreign ministry called for moderation and de-escalation in line with international law and UN principles and offered to assist in mediation efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful, negotiated resolution to the crisis.
