BRUSSELS – A dramatic military intervention by the United States in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, has triggered a wave of international alarm and street protests. The operation, confirmed by US President Donald Trump on Saturday, January 3, 2026, has drawn urgent calls from European leaders for de-escalation and strict adherence to international law.
European Union Voices Grave Concern
Top officials across Europe reacted swiftly to the news with profound worry. European Council President Antonio Costa stated the European Union was monitoring the situation "with great concern." He emphasized the critical need for any solution to respect international law and the United Nations Charter.
This position was firmly supported by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Individual nations, including Spain, Portugal, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Germany, echoed calls for restraint and legal compliance. Denmark announced it would seek an urgent discussion at the UN Security Council, while Germany activated its crisis management team.
France adopted a notably stronger stance. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot openly opposed the American operation, warning that it could lead to serious consequences for global security.
Global Reactions and Protests
The United Nations also expressed deep unease. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said he was alarmed by the intervention and called on all parties to show restraint. He stressed that the protection of the Venezuelan people must be the priority in any further actions.
Protests erupted in several cities worldwide. In Quito, Ecuador, on Saturday, January 3, demonstrators gathered to condemn the US strikes and the capture of Maduro, denouncing it as a violation of Venezuela's sovereignty. Similar protests were reported in Athens, Greece, where the Foreign Ministry said it was closely watching developments.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer clarified that the United Kingdom was not involved in the operation. He withheld immediate judgment, stating the government was working to clarify the facts. A key priority, he noted, was ensuring the safety of approximately 500 British nationals currently in Venezuela.
The Operation and Immediate Fallout
US President Donald Trump announced that American forces had conducted strikes in Venezuela and successfully detained President Nicolas Maduro. Reports indicate Maduro and his wife were subsequently flown out of the country.
Venezuelan authorities have condemned the action as an act of "military aggression." Residents in the capital, Caracas, reported hearing explosions, further escalating tensions on the ground. The situation remains fluid, with the international community bracing for the geopolitical repercussions of this unprecedented event.
