Starmer says UK not involved, will speak to Trump and allies, calls for upholding international law
Venezuela accused US for targeting civilians. PHOTO: REUTERS
Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said on Saturday his country “will overcome” a wave US military strikes which Washington said also included the capture of President Nicolas Maduro.
Cabello, considered one of the most powerful men in Caracas, told a local television broadcast that “at the end of these attacks, we will overcome,” adding that “this is not our first battle against our people… we have managed to survive under all circumstances.”
World reacts to US strikes on Venezuela
World leaders also react on Venezuela attacks as the world is waiting for US Donald Trump press conference.
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.”
Read More: Trump says US launched major strike, captured Venezuela leader Maduro and wife
“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.”
“Latin America must remain a zone of peace, as it declared itself to be in 2014. And Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny without any destructive, let alone military, interference from outside.”
“We support the statement by the Venezuelan authorities and the leaders of Latin American countries calling for an immediate meeting of the UN Security Council.”
Argentine President Javier Milei
Milei uploaded a video with his statement on X, where he is seen talking at a summit and describing Maduro as a threat for the region and backing the pressure Trump was putting on Caracas.
“The time to have a timid approach on this subject has passed”, Milei had said, according to a video on his X account.
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.”
“Mexico emphatically reiterates that dialogue and negotiation are the only legitimate and effective means of resolving existing differences, and therefore reaffirms its willingness to support any efforts to facilitate dialogue, mediation, or accompaniment that contribute to preserving regional peace and avoiding confrontation.”
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.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybih
“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.”
Alexander Lukashenko, President Belarus
“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. In particular, he said that “it will be a second Vietnam. And the Americans don’t need it,” Belta news agency cited Natalia Eismont, spokesperson for Lukashenko, as saying
Kaja Kallas, EU high representative for foreign affairs\
“I have spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and our Ambassador in Caracas. The EU is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela.”
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…
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) January 3, 2026
“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.”
Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenai
“What matters is that when a person realizes the enemy is arrogantly trying to impose something on the country, on the officials, on the government, and on the nation, one must stand firmly against the enemy and bare one’s chest in resistance. We will not yield to the enemy.”
“Relying on Almighty God, trusting in God, and with confidence in the support of the people, God willing and by divine grace, we will bring the enemy to its knees.”
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.”
