Leaders around the world have responded with a mix of condemnation and support to the US capture of Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro. In an initial response, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his government would "shed no tears" for the end of Maduro's regime. China said it was "deeply shocked and strongly condemns" the use of force against a sovereign country and its president. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the legality of the US operation was "complex" and international law in general must apply. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was "deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected", his spokesperson said.

Source: The Star January 04, 2026 06:57 UTC