UN Chief Chief Warns Of 'Dangerous Precedent' As Russia, China & Iran Demand Maduro's Release

Caracas: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was apprehended by the US forces in a massive military operation early Saturday, drawing immense global anger, outrage and condemnation. The operation, which involved over 150 aircraft and elite ground troops, was launched after months of escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela. Maduro, who had been indicted by the US in 2020 on narcoterrorism charges, was flown to New York City to face trial after he was captured.

The Venezuelan President's captivity drew massive anger across the globe, with several world leaders expressing concern and outrage over the US's use of force. Russia, China, Iran, and Colombia have all demanded Maduro's release, citing the need for dialogue and respect for Venezuela's sovereignty. The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also expressed alarm, warning that the operation sets a dangerous precedent and may have violated international law.

Meanwhile, the US has defended its actions, citing a 1989 precedent in which the first Bush administration invaded Panama to capture dictator Manuel Noriega. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called Maduro an "illegitimate president" and a “fugitive of American justice”, claiming he was offered generous deals to surrender but chose to play games instead.

How World Reacted To The Action

The world leaders have reacted with a mix of condemnation and cautious support. Russia's Foreign Ministry has demanded a UN Security Council meeting, claiming the US committed "an act of armed aggression against Venezuela." China has also condemned the use of force, saying it was deeply shocked by the operation, deeming the offensive “blatant use of force against a sovereign state”. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed resistance, while Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has denounced the US attack as criminal.

Russian President Putin questioned the US action, pointing at Trump's criticism of Russia's action against Ukraine, saying, “Under what pretext did they bomb Yugoslavia, Iraq, Syria, and Libya? Were there Security Council sanctions? No. They simply decided to do it and did it. That's all there is to international law: they do whatever they want.”

On the other hand, some leaders have welcomed Maduro's capture. Argentinian President Javier Milei has celebrated the move, posting "La Libertad Avanza (Freedom advances)" on social media. The European Union has called for restraint, prioritising the safety of EU citizens in Venezuela.

The EU called for restraint and respect for international law, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer asserted the need to uphold international law. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the US military intervention, saying it was a clear violation of international law. “The UK has long supported a transition of power in Venezuela. We regarded Maduro as an illegitimate President and we shed no tears about the end of his regime. I reiterated my support for international law this morning. The UK government will discuss the evolving situation with US counterparts in the days ahead as we seek a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people,” Starmer wrote in a post on X.

However, Argentinian President Javier Milei welcomed the news, sharing a video denouncing Maduro's "narco-terrorist" regime. US President Donald Trump announced that the US would run the country until a "safe, proper, and judicious transition" of power. Canadian PM Mark Carney also welcomed the US military action, saying, “One of the first actions taken by Canada’s new government in March 2025 was to impose additional sanctions on Nicolás Maduro’s brutally oppressive and criminal regime — unequivocally condemning his grave breaches of international peace and security, gross and systematic human rights violations, and corruption. Canada has not recognised the illegitimate regime of Maduro since it stole the 2018 election. The Canadian government therefore, welcomes the opportunity for freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity for the Venezuelan people. Canada has long supported a peaceful, negotiated, and Venezuelan-led transition process that respects the democratic will of the Venezuelan people. In keeping with our long-standing commitment to upholding the rule of law, sovereignty, and human rights, Canada calls on all parties to respect international law. We stand by the Venezuelan people’s sovereign right to decide and build their own future in a peaceful and democratic society.” 

US Justification Over Action

The United States has justified its actions by citing Maduro's alleged involvement in narcoterrorism and his indictment in 2020. Rubio has claimed that Maduro was given multiple opportunities to surrender but he refused. The US courts have previously ruled that the military can remove someone from another country to face trial in the US.

As the president is held captive in the United States, the future of Venezuela hangs in the balance, with Vice President Delcy Rodriguez demanding Maduro's immediate release and vowing to continue the country's socialist revolution. The Venezuelan government has declared a state of emergency, and tensions are running high.