International leaders reacted swiftly on Saturday after President Donald Trump confirmed U.S. military strikes in Venezuela and announced the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Several countries, including U.S. adversaries and neighboring nations, condemned the operation, while others called for de-escalation and expressed concern for the safety of their citizens in the Latin American nation.
Colombia, which shares a border with Venezuela, called for urgent de-escalation. The Colombian government said it had implemented measures to protect civilians, maintain stability along the border, and address potential humanitarian and migration needs. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel described the operation as a “criminal US attack” and called for an immediate response from the international community. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva referred to the U.S. actions as a “serious affront” to Venezuela’s sovereignty, warning that the strikes and the capture of Maduro “cross an unacceptable line” and threaten “the preservation of the region as a zone of peace.”
Iran condemned the U.S. operation, calling it a “flagrant violation of the national sovereignty and territorial integrity” of Venezuela. Russia also strongly criticized the strikes, describing them as “an act of armed aggression against Venezuela.” The Russian government emphasized the importance of dialogue to prevent further escalation and stressed that Venezuela must be allowed to determine its own destiny without destructive or military interference from outside forces. Moscow further supported calls for an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council.
European nations have likewise expressed concern. EU diplomat Kaja Kallas stated that the EU is “closely monitoring the situation” and called for restraint, while emphasizing that the safety of EU citizens in Venezuela is a top priority. Italy, Belgium, and Spain underscored the need to respect international law and the UN Charter, with Spain offering mediation to help achieve a peaceful resolution. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged all countries to uphold international law and clarified that the U.K. was not involved in the operation. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the legal classification of the U.S. intervention as “complex” and said more time is needed before issuing an official position, while stressing the importance of ensuring an orderly political transition in Venezuela.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised President Trump for his “bold and historic leadership on behalf of freedom and justice,” commending the decisive action and bravery of U.S. soldiers.
The U.S. operation in Venezuela and the reported capture of Maduro have triggered widespread international reactions, highlighting concerns over national sovereignty, the safety of foreign nationals, and regional stability. While supporters of the strikes frame them as decisive action for regional security, critics warn that military intervention risks escalating tensions, undermining international law, and creating further instability in Latin America. The situation underscores the delicate balance between pursuing strategic objectives and respecting the sovereignty and legal rights of nations.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
