‘Bold and historic leadership’: World leaders voice support for Trump after US op in Venezuela

WASHINGTON, DC: World leaders did not hold back this weekend after the United States carried out military strikes in Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro along with his wife, Cilia Flores.

It marks a big, bold move by President Donald Trump, likely the most forward-leaning foreign policy step he has taken in some time. The move has drawn both condemnation and unexpected encouragement from abroad.

The operation, which Trump said involved a “large-scale strike” early Saturday, resulted in Maduro being flown to New York City to face federal charges.

Latin American leaders, China condemn US strikes and Nicolas Maduro capture

Neighboring Latin American countries condemned the actions, as did Venezuela’s long-term allies, Russia and China. China said it was "deeply shocked and strongly condemns" the use of force against a sovereign country and its president, according to the South China Morning Post.

The attack came just hours after a Chinese special envoy met with the Venezuelan leader to reaffirm Beijing’s support for the embattled regime. In South America, criticism was similarly sharp.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva labeled the strikes and capture an “unacceptable line,” warning that such actions could destabilize the region and threaten peace. He added, "Attacking countries in flagrant violation of international law is the first step toward a world of violence, chaos, and instability."

Colombian President Gustavo Petro called the strikes an "assault on the sovereignty" of Latin America. Chilean President Gabriel Boric expressed "concern and condemnation" on X and called for "a peaceful solution to the serious crisis affecting the country."

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel accused the United States of a "criminal attack," while Uruguay said in an official statement that it was monitoring developments "with attention and serious concern" and "rejects, as it always has, military intervention."

Zelensky, Starmer and Netanyahu voice support for Trump after Maduro capture

Support for President Donald Trump also emerged from several countries following the US operation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky drew attention after commenting on the operation, suggesting that if the United States can move against someone like Nicolas Maduro, it demonstrates that Washington knows exactly what to do next.

In an initial response, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his government would "shed no tears" over the end of Maduro’s regime. 

Argentine President Javier Milei, whom Trump has described as his "favourite president", posted "Freedom moves forward" and "Long live freedom" on social media. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also voiced support for his ally Trump. In a post on X, Netanyahu credited Trump with decisive action and praised the US military forces involved in the operation. "Congratulations, President @realDonaldTrump, for your bold and historic leadership on behalf of freedom and justice," Netanyahu wrote. "I salute your decisive resolve and the brilliant action of your brave soldiers."

As Maduro’s legal fate unfolds in courts and diplomatic reactions continue, the global response underscores both the volatility of the moment and the far-reaching implications of what is being described as one of America’s most audacious military operations in decades.

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