Global Reactions to the US–Venezuela Conflict

 

The unfolding conflict between the United States and Venezuela in early January 2026 has drawn swift and polarized global reactions from governments, international organizations, and world leaders. As U.S. forces carried out military action and the U.S. claimed the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, officials across the world issued statements on social media, in press releases, and through their foreign ministries. The responses reflect deep divisions over sovereignty, international law, and regional stability. 

United States

President Donald Trump announced the operation on Truth Social, stating:

“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro…captured and flown out of the country.” 

In the U.S. Senate, Democratic Senator Brian Schatz criticized the action on X (formerly Twitter):

“We have no vital national interests in Venezuela to justify war… We should have learned not to stumble into another stupid adventure by now.” 

Senator Ruben Gallego also tweeted:

“This war is illegal… There is no reason for us to be at war with Venezuela.” 

Venezuela

Venezuelan government ;

“Venezuela rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression…against Venezuelan territory and people.” 

Maduro himself has previously accused the U.S. of warmongering, telling Venezuelans in televised interviews that Washington’s actions are:

“illegal warmongering,” and insisting that U.S. pressure is aimed at seizing control of Venezuela’s oil and resources. 

Colombian President Gustavo Petro took to X to condemn the strikes:

“The Government of Colombia rejects the aggression against the sovereignty of Venezuela and of Latin America… Peace, respect for international law, and protection of life must prevail.”

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel strongly condemned the U.S. actions on X:

“Our Zone De Paz (Zone of Peace) is being brutally assaulted… This is state terrorism against the brave Venezuelan people and ‘Our America’.” 

Iran’s Foreign Ministry called the U.S. strike a:

“flagrant violation of the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.” 

Russia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning the attack:

“This morning, the United States committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela… ideological animosity has prevailed over pragmatism.” 

Spain’s Foreign Ministry offered to help mediate the crisis, calling for:

“de-escalation and restraint… and is prepared to offer its good offices to achieve a peaceful, negotiated solution.” 

Germany’s Foreign Ministry said it was:

“monitoring the situation with great concern” and coordinating with partners to assess risks to regional security. 

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni indicated her government is:

“closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela… in constant contact with officials regarding the safety of Italian citizens.” 

United Nations

At the UN Security Council, officials emphasized the need for dialogue. The Secretary-General’s office reiterated:

“Dialogue is the only viable path toward lasting peace and preventing further instability and human suffering.” 

Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador Michael Waltz warned council members that:

“The illegitimate Maduro regime poses an extraordinary threat to our hemisphere’s peace and stability… We will do everything in our power to protect our hemisphere.” 

What is your own view on this conflict?