United States Initiates "Operation Absolute Resolve" in Venezuela, Detaining President Maduro

On January 3, the United States initiated a military operation in Venezuela, named "Operation Absolute Resolve," resulting in the capture and detention of President Nicolás Maduro. This action has triggered a range of international reactions, including strong condemnations from Russia and China, cautious statements from European nations, and a reevaluation of foreign policy by New Zealand.

US Operation and Detention of President Maduro

The United States government, under former President Donald Trump, carried out "Operation Absolute Resolve," involving a raid on Caracas that led to the capture and detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. US officials publicly described the operation as a military success. This operation followed a US military buildup and engagements with suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, which commenced in September 2025.

President Trump publicly discussed the involvement of US companies in the revitalization of Venezuela's oil industry, citing access to the world's largest known oil reserves. He stated the US would 'run' Venezuela until conditions for a 'safe transition of power' are established. Reports indicate varying public reactions within Venezuela to the change in leadership.

President Maduro's arrest was reportedly based on charges of cocaine trafficking.

This event reportedly altered the security environment in Central and South America, leading to closer security coordination between the restructured Venezuelan government and those of Colombia, Panama, and Mexico with US agencies.

US Policy Context and Strategic Objectives

The US engagement in Venezuela aligns with the Trump administration’s National Security Strategy, published in December of the preceding year. This strategy indicated an objective to reestablish US influence in the Western Hemisphere, a concept historically associated with the Monroe Doctrine, and referred to by Trump as the "Donroe doctrine." The strategy also aimed to "reestablish conditions of strategic stability across the Eurasian landmass" and "mitigate the risk of conflict between Russia and European states."

Following the Venezuela operation, the White House communicated a focus on addressing other regional concerns. President Trump reiterated previous comments regarding the US needing Greenland for national security, citing its mineral resources. A social media post by Katie Miller displayed a map of Greenland in the colors of the US flag.

International Legal Concerns

The intervention has raised discussions regarding its implications for contemporary international law and security. Analyses have suggested that the unilateral removal of a head of state from power constitutes an act of war and may violate both US federal and international law. Questions have been raised regarding presidential communication with Congress concerning regime change in Venezuela, given the US Constitution assigns the power to declare war to Congress.

The intervention has been contrasted with the United Nations Charter, which generally prohibits interference in the domestic affairs of a sovereign state unless there is a clear threat to international peace and security.

Some observers characterized the operation as a violation of international law.

Global Reactions

European Responses

Statements from European officials varied following the operation:

• Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, acknowledged Maduro's disputed legitimacy and expressed concern for European citizens in Venezuela. Her statement included a reference to the importance of respecting international law and the UN charter.
• A joint statement from 26 EU member states, excluding Hungary, did not explicitly condemn the US action.
• British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated the UK's long-standing support for a transition of power in Venezuela and its regard for Maduro as an illegitimate president. He expressed a desire for a "safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government" and reiterated support for international law.
• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made similar comments regarding Maduro's legitimacy and the importance of a transition in Venezuela. He noted the complexity of legally assessing the US operation and stated that Germany would "take its time" to do so.

Russia and China

Russia and China issued strong condemnations of the operation:

• Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously expressed support for Maduro. Subsequent press releases from Russia demanded Washington "release the legitimately elected president of a sovereign country and his spouse" and condemned the US operation as an "unacceptable violation of the sovereignty of an independent state."
• China expressed concern about the US operation, terming it a "clear violation of international law." A foreign ministry spokesman urged Washington to "ensure the personal safety of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, release them at once, stop toppling the government of Venezuela, and resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation."
• Maduro's arrest reportedly halted cut-price oil supplies to China, Russia, and other states, and removed the risk of China or Russia gaining control of Venezuela's oil reserves.

New Zealand's Position

New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters released a statement affirming New Zealand's expectation for all parties to adhere to international law. New Zealand has stated its concern and active monitoring of developments in Venezuela, emphasizing its expectation for all parties to act in accordance with international law.

Historically, New Zealand governments since World War II have supported a rules-based international system, multilateralism, and institutions like the United Nations. The Trump administration's foreign policy approach has been observed to diverge from this established New Zealand perspective.

New Zealand, alongside other democracies including Britain and Australia, has adopted a cautious approach to the 'America First' agenda of the Trump administration. This approach has included New Zealand refraining from public statements of solidarity with allies regarding territorial disputes and showing restraint in publicly commenting on other international issues. The situation presents New Zealand with a foreign policy decision point: either to continue prioritizing closer alignment with an administration advocating for a world governed by great powers through regional spheres of influence, or to advocate for a multilateral, rules-based international system that includes all states.

Broader Geopolitical Implications

Commentators have suggested that the US intervention in Venezuela could establish a precedent for similar actions globally, noting potential implications for other geopolitical situations. The event has been interpreted by some as indicative of a trend towards major powers establishing recognized spheres of influence. European responses were observed as a potential acknowledgement of shifts in the international order, leading to efforts to maintain cooperation with the United States.

In Cuba, with Venezuelan oil shipments reportedly stopped, the nation's economic crisis intensified, leading to rationing of essentials like transport, electricity, and water.