Key Facts
• January 3: Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a call with Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodriguez.
• January 3: China criticized U.S. ground attacks on Venezuela as serious international law violations.
• January 4: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson demanded release of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
• China urged the U.S. to stop regime change attempts and resolve issues through dialogue.
• European leaders avoid direct criticism of U.S. military actions but emphasize international law.
• UK Prime Minister Starmer supports international law and peaceful transition talks with the U.S.
• German Chancellor Merz called U.S. intervention’s legal assessment complex.
• January 5 (Japan time January 6): UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting at Venezuela’s request.
Summary
In response to U.S. ground attacks on Venezuela, China and Russia have expressed strong support for the Maduro regime. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson demanded the release of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, condemning U.S. actions as violations of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty. China called on the U.S. to cease attempts at regime change and pursue dialogue for problem resolution. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed solidarity with Venezuela and support for Maduro’s policies to protect national interests and sovereignty. European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Starmer and German Chancellor Merz, emphasized adherence to international law while avoiding direct criticism of U.S. military operations. Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting following Venezuela’s request, highlighting the escalating international concern over the situation.
