World Reacts as U.S. Strikes Venezuela, UN Sounds Alarm
- ATN
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
By: ATN News Team
New York, NY: World leaders reacted sharply and along familiar geopolitical lines Saturday after the United States carried out military action in Venezuela, drawing warnings from the United Nations and triggering a mix of condemnation, caution and support across regions.
The UN secretary-general said the escalation marked a “dangerous precedent,” underscoring growing concern that the operation could weaken respect for international law and destabilize an already fragile region. His warning came as governments weighed the implications of a U.S. move that bypassed multilateral mechanisms.
In Latin America, reactions were deeply divided. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, president of Brazil, condemned the U.S. action as a violation of Venezuelan sovereignty and called for urgent consultations at the United Nations, warning that military intervention risks plunging the region into wider instability. Mexico’s government echoed calls for restraint, urging dialogue and a political solution led by Venezuelans themselves.
Gustavo Petro, president of Colombia, called for emergency regional and international discussions, stressing that the crisis should not be resolved through force. Argentina, by contrast, struck a more supportive tone, with President Javier Milei framing the move as a blow against authoritarianism and aligning himself openly with Washington.
European leaders focused largely on legality rather than politics. Senior officials from the European Union said they do not recognize the legitimacy of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, but emphasized that any response must comply with international law and the UN Charter. The bloc stopped short of endorsing the U.S. military action, instead urging restraint and de-escalation.
In Germany, government officials warned that unilateral military action risks undermining the international legal order and reiterated Berlin’s preference for a negotiated political solution. France voiced similar concerns, cautioning that political change imposed by force could set a precedent other powers might later invoke. Spain expressed reservations over the use of force, according to officials familiar with Madrid’s position, stressing that Venezuela’s crisis must be resolved through democratic and negotiated means rather than external military intervention.
Across the Middle East and North Africa, reactions were more muted. No formal statement was issued by the Arab League, and several regional governments remained publicly silent.
Iran condemned the U.S. action as a violation of Venezuelan sovereignty and international law, calling for the matter to be addressed through the United Nations. Turkey expressed concern over the escalation, emphasizing respect for sovereignty and warning against actions that could further destabilize the region.
Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Morocco had not issued public statements as of Saturday, reflecting a broader regional reluctance to endorse unilateral military action or regime-change precedents.
U.S. rivals and Venezuelan allies reacted with outright condemnation. Russia denounced the operation as a breach of international law and called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council. China criticized the use of force, warning that unilateral military action threatens global stability and erodes the international system. Cuba also condemned the move, describing it as aggression against a sovereign state.
The split response highlights a broader international dilemma: while many governments oppose Venezuela’s leadership and question its democratic legitimacy, far fewer are prepared to endorse direct military intervention without UN authorization.
As diplomatic fallout continues, the United Nations renewed its call for restraint and inclusive dialogue, stressing the need for full respect for international law and warning that the developments in Venezuela represent a dangerous precedent.