UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK – January 4, 2026 – The United States’ audacious military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has ignited a firestorm of international condemnation, plunging global diplomacy into crisis. Major world powers, including China, Russia, and several prominent European nations, have vehemently denounced the “Venezuela Strike” as an “illegal attack on a sovereign nation” and a dangerous breach of international law.
As Maduro is reportedly transferred to New York to face “narco-terrorism” charges, Venezuela’s top court has moved swiftly to name Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as acting president, creating a tense standoff with Washington’s announced plan to install an interim government.
A Chorus of Condemnation: “Illegal and Dangerous”
The immediate aftermath of the US operation saw a cascade of condemnations from around the globe, echoing fears of a return to unilateral military interventions.
-
China’s Strong Rebuke: Beijing’s Foreign Ministry called the US action an “unacceptable violation of the UN Charter and the principle of non-interference in internal affairs.” A spokesperson warned that the move would “destabilize the entire region and undermine global peace and security.”
-
Russia’s Outrage: The Kremlin demanded Maduro’s “immediate and unconditional release,” describing the operation as an act of “international banditry.” Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced that Russia would seek an emergency session of the UN Security Council to address the “US aggression.”
-
European Disunity and Concern: While some Eastern European nations and the UK offered cautious support to the US’s stated goal of restoring democracy, major European powers like France, Germany, and Spain expressed profound concern. A joint statement from Paris and Berlin emphasized “the absolute necessity of respecting international law and the sovereignty of nations,” implicitly criticizing the US unilateral action.
-
Latin American Schism: The intervention has further fractured Latin America. While US allies like Colombia and Brazil have voiced support for a democratic transition, powerful nations such as Mexico and Argentina have strongly condemned the “violation of self-determination” and called for an emergency meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS).
Venezuela’s Swift Counter-Move: Rodríguez Takes Charge
Amidst the chaos, Venezuela’s highest judicial body, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ), loyal to Maduro, moved swiftly to maintain a semblance of constitutional order.
-
Rodríguez Appointed: Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was formally named acting president, citing constitutional provisions for a presidential absence. In a televised address, Rodríguez accused the US of a “criminal act of imperial aggression” and vowed to “defend the homeland to the last consequence.”
-
Military Allegiance Tested: The critical question remains the loyalty of the Venezuelan armed forces. Initial reports are mixed, with some units reportedly reaffirming allegiance to Rodríguez, while others, particularly lower ranks, show signs of uncertainty or defection.
-
International Legal Battle: Venezuela’s UN Ambassador has lodged a formal complaint, accusing the US of an act of war and calling for international sanctions against Washington.
The Path Ahead: A Volatile Transition
As Maduro is processed for legal proceedings in New York, the US administration under President Trump has articulated a vision for an “interim government” to pave the way for new elections. However, the legitimacy of any such government, imposed through military means and facing widespread international rejection, will be severely challenged.
The “Venezuela Strike” has not only captured a controversial leader but has also exposed deep rifts in global governance, raising fundamental questions about sovereignty, intervention, and the future of international relations in the 21st century.
700 701 702 703 704 705 706 707 708 709 710 711 712 713 714 715 716 717 718 719 720 721 722 723 724 725 726 727 728 729 730 731 732 733 734 735 736 737 738 739 740 741 742 743 744 745 746 747 748 749 750 751 752 753 754 755 756 757 758 759 760 761 762 763 764 765 766 767 768 769 770 771 772 773 774 775 776 777 778 779 780 781 782 783 784 785 786 787 788 789 790 791 792 793 794 795 796 797 798 799 800 801 802 803 804 805 806 807 808 809 810 811 812 813 814 815 816 817 818 819 820 821 822
