NEW YORK/CARACAS – Russia and China on Tuesday strongly condemned the US military operation in Venezuela and demanded the immediate release of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
During an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, Russia’s representative criticized the US action, saying there was no justification for the attack in Caracas.
“The United States should not be allowed to appoint itself as the ultimate judge and launch attacks on any sovereign nation,” he said, describing the operation as a sign of lawlessness and a return to US dominance through force.
China’s representative also condemned the operation, stating that no country has the right to act as the world’s policeman or global judge.
“Blind use of force will only trigger larger crises. The United States must abandon its coercive and oppressive policies,” he said.
The statements came after US forces reportedly carried out an operation in Venezuela over the weekend, seizing President Maduro and his wife from the presidential residence.
US President Donald Trump claimed that Maduro and his wife were taken from their bedroom to New York, where they will face charges related to drug trafficking and terrorism.
The incident sparked international concern, with calls for restraint and respect for Venezuela’s sovereignty.
Earlier in the day, Venezuela’s Vice President and Oil Minister Delcy Rodríguez officially been sworn in as the country’s interim president.
The oath-taking ceremony was held at a time when President Nicolás Maduro was facing drug-related charges in a New York court.
Maduro was abducted from his official residence and transferred to the United States following a dramatic military operation conducted by the Trump administration over the weekend.
Rodríguez, 56, took her oath from her brother Jorge Rodríguez, the head of Venezuela’s National Assembly. Known for her strong affiliation with the ruling party and close ties to the private sector, she now assumes leadership during a politically turbulent period.
On the same day, all 283 members of the National Assembly, elected last May, also took their oaths. However, opposition representation was limited as many members including supporters of Nobel laureate leader María Corina Machado boycotted the session. The only absent member was First Lady Cilia Flores, who remains in US custody.
Meanwhile, Nicolás Maduro’s son and parliamentarian, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, expressed his unconditional support for interim President Rodríguez. Speaking at the opening session of parliament, he said he would fully cooperate with her in carrying out her duties.
In an emotional address, Maduro Guerra added that Venezuela is in safe hands and expressed hope of reuniting with his father in the country soon.
Venezuela claims 40 killed, including military personnel, in US attack
