Following are reactions in quotes to Saturday's US strikes on Venezuela, according to Reuters.
EUROPEAN UNION HIGH REPRESENTATIVE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS KAJA KALLAS:
"I have spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and our Ambassador in Caracas. The EU is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela.
"The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition. Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected. We call for restraint."
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."
"Chile reaffirms its commitment to the basic principles of international law, such as the prohibition of the use of force, non-intervention, the peaceful settlement of international disputes, and the territorial integrity of States."
SPANISH FOREIGN MINISTRY:
"Spain calls for de-escalation and moderation, and for action to always be taken in accordance with international law and the principles of the UN Charter."
"In this regard, Spain is willing to offer its good offices to achieve a peaceful and negotiated solution to the current crisis."
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO PRIME MINISTER KAMLA PERSAD-BISSESSAR
"Earlier this morning, Saturday 3rd January 2026, the United States commenced military operations within the territory of Venezuela.2
"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."
RODERICH KIESEWETTER, PROMINENT MP FROM GERMANY’S CONSERVATIVE CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATIC UNION:
"With President Trump, the US are abandoning the rules-based order that has shaped us since 1945."
"The coup in Venezuela marks a return to the old US doctrine from before 1940: a mindset of thinking in terms of spheres of influence, where the law of force rules, not international law."
"Trump is destroying what was left of any trust in the US"
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."
ITALIAN OPPOSITION PARTY LEADER AND FORMER PRIME MINISTER GIUSEPPE CONTE:
"The American aggression against Venezuela has no legal basis. We are facing a blatant violation of international law, which certifies the dominance of the strongest and best equipped militarily... I hope that the entire international community will make its voice heard and that everyone will understand that if rules only apply to enemies and not to friends, no one can feel safe anymore. Nor can the illiberal nature of a government's rule justify an attack to a sovereign state".
UK CHATHAM HOUSE THINK TANK'S PROGRAMME DIRECTOR FOR INTERNATIONAL LAW, MARC WELLER
"International law prohibits the use of force as a means of national policy. Short of a UN Chapter VII mandate, force is only available in response to an armed attack or possibly to rescue a population under imminent threat of extermination."
"Clearly, none of these requirements are fulfilled by the armed operation against Venezuela. The US interest in repressing the drugs trade or claims that the Maduro government was in essence a criminal enterprise offers no legal justification."
INDONESIA'S FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON, YVONNE MEWENGKANG:
Indonesia is monitoring developments in Venezuela to ensure the safety of its citizens.
"Indonesia also calls on all relevant parties to prioritize peaceful resolution through de-escalation and dialogue, while prioritizing the protection of civilians."
"Indonesia emphasizes the importance of respecting international law and the principles of the UN Charter."
BELARUS FOREIGN MINISTRY
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus categorically condemns the armed aggression committed on January 3, 2026, against the sovereign state of Venezuela and considers it a direct threat to international peace and security."
"The Belarusian side declares its unwavering support for the legitimate government of Venezuela ... The Republic of Belarus emphasizes that the right of the Venezuelan people to determine their own destiny is inviolable. No form of external interference, especially by force, can be justified."
LEBANESE ARMED GROUP HEZBOLLAH
"Hezbollah condemns the terrorist aggression and American thuggery against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela..."
"Hezbollah further affirms its full solidarity with Venezuela - its people, presidency, and government - in confronting this American aggression and arrogance".
