NEWS HEADLINES
‘Naked imperialism’: how Trump intervention in Venezuela is a return to form for the US
The first direct US military attack on a South American country “signals a major shift in foreign and defence policy
January 3, 2026 (The Guardian) The US bombardment of Venezuela and the capture of its president, Nicolás Maduro, follow a long history of interventions in South and Central America and the Caribbean over the past two centuries. But they also mark an unprecedented moment as the first direct US military attack on a South American country.
At a press conference after Maduro’s capture, Donald Trump said that “American dominance in the western hemisphere will never be questioned again”. But since the mid-19th century, the US has intervened in its continental neighbours not only through economic pressure but also militarily, with a long list of invasions, occupations and, in the case most closely resembling the current situation, the capture of Panama’s dictator Manuel Noriega in 1989.
A tale of two U.S. interventions and why Venezuela is not Panama 2.0
January 4, 2025 (NPR) Despite some similarities, analysts and former diplomats also see big differences between the interventions in Panama and Venezuela and worry about where the latter could be headed. Speaking to Venezuelans in a televised address, Rodríguez pushed back against Trump, saying what the U.S. had done to her homeland was “a barbarity.”
Trump seemed to dismiss the notion that Venezuelan opposition leader and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado could lead the country, saying she didn’t have enough support or respect inside Venezuela. John Feeley, a career diplomat who served as U.S. ambassador to Panama during the second Obama administration, called Trump’s statement about Machado the “saddest” of his press conference.
Top Republicans backpedal from Trump claim that US will run Venezuela
January 4, 2026 (The Guardian) US secretary of state Marco Rubio said on ABC that the US had “leverage” over the country and that: “We expect that it’s going to lead to results here. We’re hope so … hopeful that it does. Positive results. For the people of Venezuela, but ultimately, most importantly, for us, in the national interests of the United States.” He added that the US would “set the conditions” so that Venezuela is no longer a “narco-trafficking paradise” aligned with US adversaries including Iran and militant proxies such as Hezbollah.
ABC anchor George Stephanopoulos asked a follow-up question. “What is the legal authority for the United States to be running Venezuela?” Rubio responded: “I explained to you what our goals are and how we’re going to use the leverage to make it happen.”
Trump’s Attack on Venezuela Could Change the World. Here’s How.
January 4, 2026 (POLITICO) The U.S. intervention in Venezuela is forcing a geopolitical reckoning — in Washington, throughout the Western Hemisphere and around the world. President Donald Trump’s decision to launch a surprise military action and extract Nicolás Maduro ended a years-long standoff with Caracas in a matter of hours — but the move has opened up a new set of questions. What does this mean for the rest of Latin America? How will adversaries like Russia, China and Iran recalibrate? What will be the impact on the global energy markets? And does this mark a permanent shift in the U.S.’s projection of power?
World reacts to US strikes on Venezuela
Reuters | January 4, 2026
JOINT STATEMENT FROM BRAZIL, CHILE, COLOMBIA, MEXICO, SPAIN AND URUGUAY:
“We express our deep concern and rejection of the military actions carried out unilaterally in the territory of Venezuela, which contravene fundamental principles of international law.”
“Such actions set an extremely dangerous precedent for regional peace and security and for the rules-based international order, in addition to endangering the civilian population.”
“We reiterate that the situation in Venezuela must be resolved exclusively by peaceful means, through dialogue, negotiation, and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people in all its expressions, without external interference and in accordance with international law.”
FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON:
“The transition to come must be peaceful, democratic, and respectful of the will of the Venezuelan people. We hope that President Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, elected in 2024, will be able to ensure this transition as quickly as possible,” Macron wrote on X.
GERMAN CHANCELLOR FRIEDRICH MERZ:
Merz said the legal assessment of the U.S. operation is complex and “we will take our time” to evaluate it, adding that principles of international law must apply. He urged that “a transition to a government legitimised by elections must be ensured” and warned that “political instability must not arise in Venezuela”.
SPANISH PRIME MINISTER PEDRO SANCHEZ:
“Spain did not recognize the Maduro regime. But neither will it recognize an intervention that violates international law and pushes the region toward a horizon of uncertainty and belligerence”, Sanchez wrote on X.
UN SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES:
“These developments constitute a dangerous precedent,” Guterres’ spokesperson said. “The Secretary-General continues to emphasize the importance of full respect – by all – of international law, including the UN Charter. He’s deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected.”
ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU:
“Congratulations, President @realDonaldTrump for your bold and historic leadership on behalf of freedom and justice. I salute your decisive resolve and the brilliant action of your brave soldiers.”
CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY:
“China is deeply shocked and strongly condemns the use of force by the U.S. against a sovereign country and the use of force against the president of a country,” a ministry statement said.
SOUTH AFRICAN DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS:
“South Africa calls on the UN Security Council, the body mandated to maintain international peace and security, to urgently convene to address this situation,” a statement by the South African department of international relations said.
RUSSIA FOREIGN MINISTRY:
“This morning, the United States committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela. This is deeply concerning and condemnable.”
“The pretexts used to justify such actions are unfounded. Ideological animosity has prevailed over business pragmatism and the willingness to build relationships based on trust and predictability.”
“In the current situation, it is important, first and foremost, to prevent further escalation and to focus on finding a way out of the situation through dialogue.”
ARGENTINE PRESIDENT JAVIER MILEI, IN MEDIA INTERVIEW:
“What we have to understand is that it’s the collapse of the regime of a dictator that was rigging elections, that in the last election was badly defeated and, despite that, he clung on to power.”
“That’s why I’d say that today’s news is excellent news for the free world.”
MEXICAN MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS:
“The Mexican government strongly condemns and rejects the military actions carried out unilaterally in recent hours by the armed forces of the United States of America against targets in the territory of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, in clear violation of Article 2 of the Charter of the United Nations.”
CANADIAN FOREIGN MINISTER ANITA ANAND:
“Canada calls on all parties to respect international law and we stand by the people of Venezuela and their desire to live in a peaceful and democratic society. Canada is engaging with its international partners and monitoring developments closely.”
PARAGUAY GOVERNMENT:
“Paraguay is closely monitoring current developments in Venezuela and calls for prioritizing democratic means that guarantee an orderly transition.”
BOLIVIA’S FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTRY:
“Bolivia reiterates its commitment to peace, democracy, and coordination with the international community for humanitarian assistance, the protection of the civilian population, and support for a credible and definitive process of institutional reconstruction”.
PANAMA’S PRESIDENT JOSE RAUL MULINO ON X:
“In light of the events that took place early this morning in Venezuela, my government reiterates our position in favor of democratic trials and in favor of accepting the legitimate wishes of the Venezuelan people, as expressed emphatically at the polls, where Edmundo Gonzalez was elected.”
PERU’S FOREIGN MINISTRY:
“The Government of Peru calls for a prompt solution to the political situation in Venezuela, in favor of a transition with full respect for international law and human rights, as well as attention to the legitimate and genuine aspirations of the Venezuelan people to live in democracy with the support of the regional community.”
BRITISH PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER:
“I want to establish the facts first. I want to speak to President Trump. I want to speak to allies. I can be absolutely clear that we were not involved … and I always say and believe we should all uphold international law,” Starmer said in a statement to British broadcasters.
BRAZIL’S PRESIDENT LUIZ INACIO LULA DA SILVA ON X:
“The bombings on Venezuelan territory and the capture of its president cross an unacceptable line. These acts represent a grave affront to Venezuela’s sovereignty and yet another extremely dangerous precedent for the entire international community.”
“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.”
UKRAINE’S FOREIGN MINISTER ANDRII SYBIHA:
“Ukraine has consistently defended the right of nations to live freely, free of dictatorship, oppression, and human rights violations. The Maduro regime has violated all such principles in every respect. We stand for further developments in accordance with the principles of international law, prioritising democracy, human rights, and the interests of Venezuelans.”
DENMARK PRIME MINISTER METTE FREDERIKSEN:
“The Danish government is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela with our allies. Now is the time for de-escalation. International law must be respected.”
BELARUS PRESIDENT ALEXANDER LUKASHENKO:
“The President of Belarus CATEGORICALLY CONDEMNS the act of American aggression against Venezuela. Alexander Lukashenko spoke about the consequences just recently in an interview with American journalists,” Belta news agency cited Natalia Eismont, spokesperson for Lukashenko, as saying.
ECUADOR PRESIDENT DANIEL NOBOA:
“The time is coming for all the narco-Chavista criminals. Their structure will finally collapse across the entire continent,” he wrote on X.
URUGUAY FOREIGN MINISTRY:
“Uruguay rejects, as it always has, military intervention by one country in the territory of another and reaffirms the importance of respecting international law and the UN Charter, in particular the basic principle that States must refrain from resorting to the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.”
EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT URSULA VON DER LEYEN:
“Following very closely the situation in Venezuela. We stand by the people of Venezuela and support a peaceful and democratic transition. Any solution must respect international law and the UN Charter.”
CHILE’S PRESIDENT GABRIEL BORIC ON X:
“As the Government of Chile, we express our concern and condemnation of the military actions of the United States in Venezuela and call for a peaceful solution to the serious crisis affecting the country.”
COLOMBIA’S PRESIDENT GUSTAVO PETRO ON X:
“The Government of the Republic of Colombia views with deep concern the reports of explosions and unusual air activity in recent hours in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, as well as the resulting escalation of tension in the region.”
NICARAGUAN GOVERNMENT:
“From this Nicaragua, blessed and dignified, we raise the voice of our people… to demand respect for the sovereignty of the people of Venezuela.”
IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY:
The ministry condemned the U.S. attack on Venezuela “as a blatant violation of its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.” It called on the UN Security Council to “act immediately to halt the unlawful aggression” and hold those responsible accountable.
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO PRIME MINISTER KAMLA PERSAD-BISSESSAR:
“Trinidad and Tobago is NOT a participant in any of these ongoing military operations. Trinidad and Tobago continues to maintain peaceful relations with the people of Venezuela.”
BRITAIN’S REFORM UK PARTY LEADER NIGEL FARAGE:
“The American actions in Venezuela overnight are unorthodox and contrary to international law – but if they make China and Russia think twice, it may be a good thing.
“I hope the Venezuelan people can now turn a new leaf without Maduro.”
OFFICE OF ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER GIORGIA MELONI:
“In line with Italy’s long-standing position, the Government believes that external military action is not the way to end totalitarian regimes, but at the same time considers defensive intervention against hybrid attacks to its security to be legitimate, as in the case of state entities that fuel and promote drug trafficking.”
NORWAY FOREIGN MINISTER ESPEN BARTH EIDE:
“International law is universal and binding for all states. The American intervention in Venezuela is not in accordance with international law.
“A peaceful transition to democratic rule is the only viable path in Venezuela. This requires inclusive political processes that respect the rights of the population.”
SLOVAKIA PRIME MINISTER ROBERT FICO:
“The US military action in Venezuela is further evidence of the breakdown of the world order created after World War II.”
JAPAN FOREIGN MINISTRY:
“Japan has long valued the fundamental principles of freedom and democracy. We have also consistently attached importance to upholding the principles of international law within the international community. On the basis of this consistent position, Japan will continue to work closely with relevant countries, including the G7 and regional partners, while doing everything possible to protect Japanese nationals and pursuing diplomatic efforts toward the restoration of democracy and the stabilisation of the situation in Venezuela.”
CZECH REPUBLIC, FOREIGN MINISTER PETR MACINKA:
“We now consider it important to calm the situation and initiate diplomatic negotiations, including with the participation of the Venezuelan opposition.”
MALAYSIAN MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS:
“As a matter of principle, Malaysia opposes all forms of foreign intervention in the internal affairs of other States, as well as the threat or use of force. These are fundamental principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and international law. Malaysia consistently upholds the importance of peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue, respect for sovereignty, and adherence to international norms.
“At this critical time, it is crucial for the concerned parties to exercise maximum restraint, and seek peaceful solutions through dialogue and diplomacy.”
SINGAPORE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS:
“Singapore is gravely concerned by the US intervention on 3 January 2026 in Venezuela.
“Singapore is deeply committed to international law and the principles of the UN Charter that safeguard the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, especially small states. Singapore has consistently opposed actions contrary to international law by any parties, including foreign military intervention in any country.
“Singapore urges all parties to exercise restraint and hopes for a peaceful resolution to the situation in Venezuela in accordance with international law and the principles of the UN Charter.”
Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Toby Chopra, William Maclean
