World Leaders React to U.S. Military Operation in Venezuela, Call for Calm

World leaders reacted cautiously to the U.S. operation in Venezuela, expressing concern over rising tensions and potential regional instability. Several governments called for restraint, dialogue, and respect for international law, urging all parties to avoid further escalation. Diplomatic channels, they emphasized, should remain the primary path forward as the international community monitors developments closely and assesses the broader geopolitical impact of Washington’s actions.

World leaders are responding after a U.S. military operation in Venezuela led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, sharply escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union is closely monitoring developments and reiterated its support for a peaceful and democratic transition in Venezuela. She stressed that any resolution must comply with international law and the United Nations Charter, adding that the EU is coordinating with member states to ensure the safety of European citizens in the country alongside EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

“Following very closely the situation in Venezuela. We stand by the people of Venezuela and support a peaceful and democratic transition,” von der Leyen said in a post on X. “Any solution must respect international law and the UN Charter.”

European Council President António Costa echoed those remarks, calling for de-escalation and a resolution rooted in international law. He said the EU would continue backing a peaceful, democratic and inclusive outcome in Venezuela while working to protect EU nationals in the country.

Canada also weighed in, reaffirming its long-standing opposition to the Maduro government. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Canada closed its embassy in Venezuela in 2019 and has refused to recognize the legitimacy of the Maduro regime, citing repression and the persecution of political opponents. She said Canada is monitoring the situation closely and stands ready to assist Canadians through consular officials and its embassy in Bogotá, Colombia.

“Canada calls on all parties to respect international law, and we stand by the people of Venezuela and their desire to live in a peaceful and democratic society,” Anand said in a statement.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar publicly praised the U.S. operation, describing it as a decisive step against what he called Maduro’s “illegal tyranny.” He said Israel stands with the Venezuelan people and expressed hope for a democratic future free from drugs and terrorism.

U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking to Fox News on Saturday, said the operation had been planned several days earlier but was delayed due to weather conditions. He described the mission as highly complex and tightly executed, saying there were no U.S. fatalities and no aircraft lost.

“We had to do it. It is a war,” Trump said, arguing that the action was necessary to protect American interests. He added that the operation sent a clear signal that the United States would not be “pushed around.”

Trump later said on Truth Social that the operation was conducted in coordination with U.S. law enforcement. U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced that Maduro and Flores have been indicted in the Southern District of New York on charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and weapons-related offenses.

“They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil,” Bondi said, thanking the U.S. military for what she called a successful mission.

The capture of Maduro marks a dramatic turning point in U.S.-Venezuela relations and comes amid heightened regional and international concern over the fallout from the operation.

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Source: Business Standard‍