How China, UK, Russia, other countries react to US bombing of Venezuela: ‘We shed no tears…’ | Today News

The United States' attack against Venezuela early Saturday over drug trafficking allegations sent ripples across the world. From China to Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Australia and Finland, several leaders from different countries took to social media to react to US strikes.

While many condemned the strikes, some called for a democratic transition and some called Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government “illegitimate”. Here's what world leaders said: "Such hegemonic acts of the US seriously violate international law and Venezuela’s sovereignty, and threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean region. China firmly opposes it," the spokesperson said.

China added, “We call on the US to abide by international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and stop violating other countries’ sovereignty and security.”

Starmer said 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,” he added.

“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 on X.

In a post on X, the Russian MFA shared, "In view of the confirmed reports about Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his spouse being in the United States, we strongly urge the US leadership to reconsider their position and release the legitimately elected president of a sovereign country and his spouse."

"We highlight the need to create conditions for resolving any existing issues between the United States and Venezuela through dialogue," the post read.

"Venezuela can now have the prosperity it deserves," Must said.

Macron said, “The Venezuelan people are today rid of Nicolás Maduro’s dictatorship and can only rejoice. By seizing power and trampling on fundamental freedoms, Nicolás Maduro gravely undermined the dignity of his own people.”

“The upcoming transition must be peaceful, democratic, and respectful of the will of the Venezuelan people. We wish that President Edmundo González Urrutia, elected in 2024, can swiftly ensure this transition,” Macron added.

“I am currently exchanging with our partners in the region. France is fully mobilized and vigilant, including to ensure the safety of its nationals during these uncertain times,” Macron said.

Lula posted on X, “Attacking countries, in flagrant violation of international law, is the first step toward a world of violence, chaos, and instability, where the law of the strongest prevails over multilateralism.”

He said, “The condemnation of the use of force is consistent with the position that Brazil has always adopted in recent situations in other countries and regions.”

“The action recalls the worst moments of interference in the politics of Latin America and the Caribbean and threatens the preservation of the region as a zone of peace,” Lula said.

“The international community, through the United Nations, needs to respond vigorously to this episode. Brazil condemns these actions and remains available to promote the path of dialogue and cooperation,” he added.

"The great teaching of Benito Juárez in these moments must also guide the United States: among individuals as among Nations, respect for the rights of others is peace," Pardo posted on X.

Meloni posted on X, “I have followed the developments in Venezuela since the very first evolutions.”

“Italy, together with the main international partners, has never recognized Maduro's self-proclaimed electoral victory, condemning the regime's acts of repression and has always supported the Venezuelan people's aspiration to a democratic transition,” she said.

“Consistent with Italy's historic position, the government believes that external military action is not the path to take to put an end to totalitarian regimes, but at the same time considers legitimate an intervention of a defensive nature against hybrid attacks on its own security, as in the case of state entities that fuel and favor narcotrafficking,” she added.

“We continue to follow with particular attention the situation of the Italian community in Venezuela, whose security constitutes the Government's absolute priority,” Meloni said.

In a post on X, Mamdani said, “I was briefed this morning on the US military capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, as well as their planned imprisonment in federal custody here in New York City.”

“Unilaterally attacking a sovereign nation is an act of war and a violation of federal and international law,” he said.

“This blatant pursuit of regime change doesn’t just affect those abroad, it directly impacts New Yorkers, including tens of thousands of Venezuelans who call this city home. My focus is their safety and the safety of every New Yorker, and my administration will continue to monitor the situation and issue relevant guidance,” Mamdani added, “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,” Mark Carney said.

“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,” he added.

“Canada attaches great importance to resolution of crises through multilateral engagement and is in close contact with international partners about ongoing developments. We are first and foremost ready to assist Canadians through our consular officials and our embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, and will continue to support Venezuelan refugees,” he said.

"This reveals the vicious operation of a rogue state, fuelling unmasked hostility in the Global South for imposing its devious schemes," he posted on X.

Vijayan said, "It’s also an act of terrorism, posing a threat to the tranquillity in Latin America, a continent with the legacy of enduring such onslaught and anti-imperialist struggles."

"All should rise in unity to call out this brazen assault on Venezuela and resist the imperialist moves against global peace," he said.

The Indian government has not yet issued any official statement on the US attacks on Venezuela. It, however, issued an advisory, saying, “In view of recent developments in Venezuela, Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela.”

"All Indians who are in Venezuela for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in contact with the Embassy of India in Caracas...," the Ministry of External Affairs said.

He’s concerned that international law hasn't been respected.

He called on all actors in Venezuela to engage in inclusive dialogue, in respect of human rights and rule of law.

Ursula said she is following the situation in Venezuela very closely. “We stand by the people of Venezuela and support a peaceful and democratic transition. Any solution must respect international law and the UN Charter,” Ursula said.

“With HRVP @kajakallas and in coordination with EU Member States, we are making sure that EU citizens in the country can count on our full support,” she added.

Albanese said the Australian Government is monitoring developments in Venezuela.

“We urge all parties to support dialogue and diplomacy in order to secure regional stability and prevent escalation,” Albanese wrote on X.

He added, “Australia has long held concerns about the situation in Venezuela, including the need to respect democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms.”

“We continue to support international law and a peaceful, democratic transition in Venezuela that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people,” he said.

“Australians in Venezuela who need assistance can contact the 24/7 emergency consular assistance team at +61 2 6261 3305 from anywhere in the world or 1300 555 135 from within Australia,” Albanese said.

Valtonen said Finland, as part of the European Union, has previously stated that Nicolás Maduro’s government lacks legitimacy. “The EU has consistently supported the country’s peaceful, democratic development,” Valtonen said.

She said, “All states have a responsibility to respect and act in accordance with international law. This principle is a cornerstone of Finland’s foreign policy.”

“The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is closely monitoring developments in Venezuela in cooperation with partners and allies,” she added.

“We call on all actors to think of the civilian population, to respect the United Nations Charter, and to articulate a fair and dialogued transition,” Sánchez posted on X

“History has repeatedly demonstrated that military invasions against sovereign states yield only instability and deepening crisis. Unlawful, unilateral force of this nature undermines the stability of the international order and the principle of equality among nations,” the government's statement read.

It added, “South Africa calls on UN Security the body mandated to maintain international peace and security to urgently convene to address this situation.”