- January 3, 2026
- 5:52 pm
- World News
Venezuela, like Iran, has long been in the same geopolitical camp as Russia. Therefore, discussions about “international law” in this context sound detached from reality — it is Moscow that has consistently destroyed it for years. From this perspective, the US operation against the regime of Nicolás Maduro is perceived not as an abstract forceful step, but as a factor weakening Russia’s positions on the world stage. And thus — indirectly strengthening Ukraine’s resistance.
The logic here is simple and harsh. The faster the regimes friendly to Moscow in Venezuela and Iran collapse, the closer the strategic limit for Russia itself will be. Not for moral reasons, but due to the loss of support points and resources of influence. This is how many analysts see it, regardless of their attitude towards Donald Trump.
Amen.
Against this backdrop, the global reaction to the US actions in Venezuela turned out to be heterogeneous. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs refrained from commenting until the end of Saturday, but there is no doubt in diplomatic circles: the Israeli leadership generally supports the American military steps against the Maduro regime. This fits into the broader context of confrontation with the Iranian-Russian axis.
South Africa called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. However, real criticism of Washington came only from a limited number of states. Most preferred cautious wording or a wait-and-see position.
Just last week, Russia and China were demonstrating readiness to support Maduro in his confrontation with the US. It was reported that shortly before the start of the American operation, the Venezuelan president met with China’s special representative for Latin America. However, today it is becoming clear: declarations were not followed by real actions. Beijing remains silent, and Moscow speaks extremely cautiously, clearly unwilling to engage in direct confrontation with Washington over Venezuela.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nevertheless, officially called the US actions “an act of armed aggression.” The statement mentions “fabricated and unfounded reasons” for Maduro’s arrest and emphasizes the need for guarantees of “Venezuela’s right to self-determination.” Moscow supports the convening of the UN Security Council and declares solidarity with the Venezuelan people — rhetoric well known from other crises.
Meanwhile, in the US, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced charges against Maduro in a “narco-terror” case. This step shifts the situation from a purely military plane to a legal-political one and expands the field of pressure on the regime.
The reaction of other countries was indicative. Turkey, which had previously consistently supported Maduro, this time avoids direct defense. The statement from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs only mentions the need for stability and well-being of the Venezuelan people — without the previous harsh rhetoric.
In the European Union, it is emphasized that Maduro does not possess democratic legitimacy. Brussels does not directly condemn the US actions but expresses concern about the state of international law and order. The head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, stated that the EU is closely monitoring the development of events and insists on taking into account the norms of international law.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, emphasized the need to support the people of Venezuela and the peaceful transfer of power, highlighting the importance of legal procedures — a formula reflecting the traditional European balance between principles and realpolitik.
In individual European countries, reactions vary. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emotionally emphasized that London is not participating in the US operation, reminding of the importance of international law. Spain offered mediation in resolving the crisis. In Germany, positions diverged: some parliamentarians sharply criticize Trump, while the official line of the German Foreign Ministry remains unvoiced.
Ukraine took a predictable position. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated support for the right of peoples to freedom and democracy, pointing to systemic violations by the Maduro regime. Kyiv emphasizes the importance of international law but clearly sees the connection between the weakening of Moscow’s allies and its own security.
Iran reacts cautiously. Supreme Ayatollah Ali Khamenei limited himself to general statements about “support for the people” and hope for salvation from the “enemy,” avoiding direct threats against the US or open defense of Maduro. This silence is as indicative as loud statements.
The US operation in Venezuela has already become not just a regional episode, but an element of a broader restructuring of forces. The reactions of countries show: the world is increasingly speaking less in the language of principles and more in the language of interests and calculation. It is in this logic that the events are being considered today in Israel, Ukraine, and far beyond — as regularly written by NAnews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency.
