World leaders react to US arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro

World leaders have both condemned and supported the U.S. arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Maduro and his wife were captured by U.S. forces and expelled from the country following a massive attack on Venezuela on Saturday. Two people were charged with drug crimes in New York.

In an initial response, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his government would “No tears” for the end of the Maduro regime.

Latin American neighbors and Venezuela’s long-time allies Russia and China have condemned the actions. China said it was “deeply shocked and strongly condemned” by the use of force against a sovereign country and its president.

Russia accuses the United States of committing “acts of armed aggression.”

Iran, this is Caught in dispute with Trump He called the attack a “blatant violation of the country’s national sovereignty” as he pledged to intervene in the country.

Trump said the United States will “manage” Venezuela “until we can achieve a safe, appropriate and sensible transition.”

Many Latin American leaders condemned the U.S. actions.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva write on X The actions “cross the line of unacceptable”, adding that “attacks on countries in blatant violation of international law are the first step towards a world of violence, chaos and instability”.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro called the attack a “violation of sovereignty” in Latin America, while Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel described it as a “criminal attack.”

Chilean President Gabriel Boric expressed “concern and condemnation” of X and called for “a peaceful solution to the serious crisis affecting the country.”

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Can accused the United States of launching a “criminal attack,” while Uruguay said in an official statement that it was following developments with “close attention and serious concern” and “continues to reject military intervention.”

Trump said Cuba could become part of broader U.S. policy in the region, calling it a failed state. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Cuba is a disaster run by incompetent leaders who support Maduro’s government. He said the Havana government should be concerned

Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged citizens to remain calm and trust the country’s leadership and military, saying: “The world needs to speak out about this attack,” Reuters reported.

But Argentine President Javier Milley— Trump calls him ‘favorite president’ – wrote “Freedom marches on” and “Long live freedom” on social media.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer refused to get involved in the question of whether the military action violated international law.

The Prime Minister stopped short of condemning the US airstrikes in an interview with BBC Sunday’s Laura Kuenssberg program on Saturday morning.

He said he was waiting for all the facts to be established but would not “shirk this,” adding that he was a “lifelong advocate of international law.”

Britain was not involved in the attack and Sir Keir said he had not spoken to Trump about the operation.

Sir Keir posted on X late on Saturday that the UK “views Maduro as an illegitimate president and we shed no tears at the end of his regime”.

He added: “The UK government will discuss the evolving situation with its US counterparts over the coming days as we seek a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people.”

The EU’s top diplomat, Kaya Callas, reiterated the EU’s position that Maduro lacks legitimacy, that there should be a peaceful transition of power and that the principles of international law must be respected.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the transition of power “must be peaceful, democratic and respect the will of the Venezuelan people.” Post on X.

He added that he hoped opposition 2024 presidential candidate González would secure the transition.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the legality of the U.S. action was “complex” and that general international law must apply.

He warned that “political instability must not be allowed to occur in Venezuela.”

A spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was “deeply concerned that the rules of international law are not being respected.” He was “deeply shocked” by the strike because it set a “dangerous precedent”.

He called on all Venezuelan actors to engage in inclusive dialogue and fully respect human rights and the rule of law.”

In the United States, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, said: “Let me be clear, Maduro is an illegitimate dictator, but launching military action without congressional authorization and without a federal next step is reckless.”