A United States military operation, reportedly initiated under former President Donald Trump, resulted in the capture and detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The operation, which US officials described as a military success, has triggered significant discussions globally regarding international law, sovereignty, and foreign policy, eliciting diverse reactions from nations including New Zealand, European states, Russia, and China.
The Operation in Venezuela
On January 3, a US military operation reportedly occurred, targeting the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Source 1 states this operation followed a military buildup and US engagements with suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, commencing in September 2025. Source 2 identifies the operation as "Operation Absolute Resolve," stating it was initiated under former President Donald Trump and involved a raid on Caracas.
President Trump had previously discussed the involvement of US companies in revitalizing Venezuela's oil industry, citing access to the nation's large oil reserves. He publicly stated that the US would 'run' Venezuela until conditions for a 'safe transition of power' were established. This engagement aligns with the Trump administration’s National Security Strategy, published in December of the preceding year, which articulated an objective to reestablish US influence in the Western Hemisphere, a concept historically associated with the Monroe Doctrine. Reports indicate varying public reactions in Venezuela to the change in leadership.
International Legal and Ethical Concerns
The US operation has raised questions regarding its adherence to international law. Analyses have suggested that the unilateral removal of a head of state from power may constitute an act of war and could violate both US federal and international law. The US Constitution assigns the power to declare war to Congress, prompting inquiries into presidential communication with Congress concerning regime change in Venezuela.
Furthermore, the intervention has been contrasted with the United Nations Charter, which generally prohibits interference in the domestic affairs of a sovereign state unless there is a clear threat to international peace and security. Some observers have characterized the operation as a violation of international law. Commentators have suggested that such an intervention could establish a precedent for similar actions globally, citing potential implications for other geopolitical situations, such as the relationship between China and Taiwan.
International Responses
European Nations
Statements from European officials varied following the operation. Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, acknowledged President Maduro's disputed legitimacy and expressed concern for European citizens in Venezuela, while also referencing the importance of respecting international law and the UN Charter. A subsequent joint statement from 26 EU member states, excluding Hungary, did not explicitly condemn the US action.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated the UK's long-standing support for a transition of power in Venezuela and its regard for Maduro as an illegitimate president. He expressed a desire for a "safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government" and reiterated support for international law. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made similar comments concerning Maduro's legitimacy and the importance of a transition in Venezuela. Merz noted the complexity of legally assessing the US operation and stated that Germany would "take its time" to do so.
Russia and China
Russia and China issued strong condemnations of the operation. Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously expressed support for Maduro. Initially, the Russian foreign ministry offered support for resolving the crisis through dialogue. Subsequent press releases from Russia demanded Washington "release the legitimately elected president of a sovereign country and his spouse" and condemned the US operation as an "unacceptable violation of the sovereignty of an independent state."
China expressed concern, terming the US operation a "clear violation of international law." A foreign ministry spokesman urged Washington to "ensure the personal safety of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, release them at once, stop toppling the government of Venezuela, and resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation."
New Zealand's Stance
New Zealand has initiated discussions concerning its foreign policy relationship with the United States in light of the Venezuela intervention. New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters released a statement affirming New Zealand's expectation for all parties to adhere to international law.
Historically, New Zealand governments since World War II have supported a rules-based international system, multilateralism, and institutions like the United Nations. The Trump administration's foreign policy approach has been observed to diverge from this established New Zealand perspective. New Zealand, alongside other democracies including Britain and Australia, has adopted a cautious approach to the 'America First' agenda of the Trump administration, previously refraining from public statements of solidarity with allies or extensive critique of US trade policies. The situation presents New Zealand with a foreign policy decision point concerning its future alignment in global affairs.
Broader Geopolitical Context
The event has been interpreted by some as indicative of a trend towards major powers establishing recognized spheres of influence. European responses were observed as a potential acknowledgement of shifts in the international order, leading to efforts to maintain cooperation with the United States.
Following the Venezuela operation, the White House communicated a focus on addressing other regional concerns. President Trump reiterated previous comments regarding the US needing Greenland for national security, and a social media post by Katie Miller displayed a map of Greenland in the colors of the US flag. The new US national security strategy, released in December, aimed to "reestablish conditions of strategic stability across the Eurasian landmass" and "mitigate the risk of conflict between Russia and European states."