The World Responds to the Capture of Nicolás Maduro

Publicado el 05/01/2026 a las 19:23

The capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro—announced by U.S. President Donald Trump following a large-scale military operation in Venezuela—prompted an immediate international response.

Reactions were sharply divided among governments in Latin America, Europe, and other regions of the world.

While some leaders celebrated the action as a step toward democracy, others condemned it as a serious violation of international law and regional sovereignty.

The responses revealed a clear geopolitical fracture over how to address Venezuela’s crisis and Washington’s role in the region.

Javier Milei (Argentina): Open Celebration of Nicolás Maduro’s Capture and Full Support for the U.S.

Argentine President Javier Milei was among the first to celebrate Maduro’s capture. In a social media post, he wrote:

“Freedom moves forward.”

Argentina’s Foreign Ministry later said it values Trump’s “decision and determination,” describing the capture as a “decisive advance against narco-terrorism” and an opportunity for Venezuela to fully recover democracy. Argentina also expressed hope that the opposition will come to power in line with the popular will expressed at the polls in 2024.

Daniel Noboa (Ecuador): Full Support and Message to the Venezuelan Opposition

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa aligned himself with Washington’s stance and celebrated the operation.

He stated that “every narco-Chavista criminal eventually faces justice” and claimed that the regime’s structure “will finish collapsing across the continent.”

Noboa sent a direct message to opposition figures María Corina Machado and Edmundo González, saying Ecuador would be an ally in helping recover the country.

Gustavo Petro (Colombia): Rejection of Military Aggression

Colombian President Gustavo Petro adopted a critical stance, rejecting what he described as an act of aggression against Venezuela’s sovereignty and Latin America as a whole.

“Internal conflicts among peoples are resolved by the peoples themselves, in peace,” he said, distancing himself from the U.S. military approach.

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Brazil): Condemnation and Regional Warning

Brazilian President Lula da Silva condemned the bombings and Maduro’s capture, stating that an “unacceptable line” had been crossed.

He warned that the operation sets an “extremely dangerous” precedent and recalled “the darkest moments of foreign interference” in the region.

Lula urged the international community to respond firmly and to preserve Latin America as a zone of peace.

Claudia Sheinbaum (Mexico): Strong Rejection and Call for International Law

Mexico’s government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, “strongly condemned” the U.S. military actions.

Mexico called for respect for international law, the UN Charter, and an end to any acts of aggression against the Venezuelan government and people, reaffirming its pacifist stance.

Gabriel Boric (Chile): Concern Over Nicolás Maduro’s Capture and Push for a Peaceful Solution

Chilean President Gabriel Boric expressed concern and condemnation over U.S. military actions, emphasizing that Venezuela’s crisis must be resolved through dialogue and multilateralism—not violence or foreign intervention.

Pedro Sánchez (Spain): Call for De-escalation

From Europe, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called for de-escalation and respect for international law.

While recalling that Spain does not recognize the results of Venezuela’s 2024 elections, he insisted that any solution must be democratic and aligned with UN principles.

Miguel Díaz-Canel (Cuba): Accusation of “State Terrorism”

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel issued one of the strongest condemnations, calling the operation a “criminal attack” and labeling it “state terrorism.”

He demanded an urgent response from the international community, describing the events as a brutal aggression against the region.

Russia and Allies: Total Condemnation of Nicolás Maduro’s Capture

Russia firmly condemned the action, calling it an “armed act of aggression” and expressing solidarity with the Venezuelan people.

Belarus joined the condemnation, while China urged its citizens not to travel to Venezuela and to take extra precautions.

A Divided World Facing a Historic Event

The reactions highlight a deep divide between those who see Maduro’s capture as an opportunity for political change and those who argue that the methods used threaten international order.

The global response confirms that Venezuela’s future is no longer just a domestic issue, but a central axis of current geopolitical tension—underscoring the scale of the global reaction to Maduro capture.

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