International Response Following U.S. Military Strikes in Venezuela

International leaders reacted quickly on January 3, 2026, following President Trump’s confirmation of U.S. military strikes in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of the country’s leader, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife. While several nations condemned the strikes, others called for de-escalation and expressed concern for their citizens in Venezuela.

Reactions from Latin America

Colombia, sharing a border with Venezuela, issued a statement urging urgent de-escalation. The Colombian government announced it had “implemented steps to protect the civilian population, preserve stability on the Colombian-Venezuelan border, and promptly address any potential humanitarian or migration needs.”

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel denounced the military action, referring to it as a “criminal US attack” and called for “URGENT reaction from the international community.”

Global Condemnation from Iran and Russia

Iran’s government condemned the military strikes, labeling them a “flagrant violation of the national sovereignty and territorial integrity” of Venezuela. This condemnation follows Mr. Trump’s recent warning to Iran amid ongoing protests in the country, emphasizing that the U.S. was “locked and loaded and ready to go.”

Russia’s foreign ministry described the U.S. action as “an act of armed aggression against Venezuela,” stating that such justifications for the attacks are unfounded. The Russian government emphasized the need to prevent further escalation and called for dialogue over conflict. They also advocated for Venezuela’s right to determine its destiny without outside military interference and supported calls for an emergency session of the U.N. Security Council.

Concerns Raised by European Nations

European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas stated that she had communicated with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the E.U. ambassador in Caracas to address the situation. Kallas reiterated that the E.U. has “repeatedly stated that Mr. Maduro lacks legitimacy,” emphasizing the importance of respecting international law and prioritizing the safety of E.U. citizens in Venezuela.

Countries including Italy and Belgium echoed these sentiments, underscoring the safety of their nationals as a key concern. The Spanish Foreign Ministry urged “de-escalation and moderation,” insisting that any future actions must align with international law and offered to mediate for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.

U.K. Calls for Clarity and Upholding International Law

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need for all nations to “uphold international law,” clearly stating that the U.K. had no involvement in the U.S. military operation. He stressed the importance of patience to establish the facts surrounding the situation and expressed a desire to communicate with President Trump and other allies.

As the international community continues to assess the fallout from the U.S. military action, the potential for increased tensions looms, with ongoing calls for restraint and diplomatic engagement. The developments signal a significant turning point in U.S.-Latin American relations and could have far-reaching geopolitical implications.