This article is published in association with United Nations.

The Security Council met in emergency session in New York to address the US rendition of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro from Caracas, a move that has sent shockwaves through the region and beyond. The UN chief António Guterres told ambassadors there must be respect for national sovereignty, “political independence and territorial integrity,” after warning on Saturday that the US had set a “dangerous precedent” for the world order. Follow the historic meeting live below from the UN Meetings Coverage team, and UN News app users can click here.

Jan 5, 2026  07:59 PM

Cuba warns of ‘hegemonic, criminal plans’ against Venezuela, urges international action

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Cuba’s delegate warned the Council that Washington, D.C.’s, “hegemonic and criminal plans” towards Venezuela have produced serious and unpredictable consequences for regional stability.

Accusing the United States of unilateral coercive measures, “economic asphyxiation” and even maritime terrorism, he said these acts show disregard for the Charter of the UN and international law.

He described the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores as driven by a quest for “control over Venezuela’s land and natural resources”, calling it “imperialist and fascist aggression”, and demanded their immediate release.Jan 5, 2026  07:54 PM

United States action against Venezuela violates Charter, says Mexico, urging Council to act ‘without double standards’

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Mexico’s representative said the United States’ action must not be permitted, calling it a violation of the UN Charter and a threat to multilateralism. 

Stressing that the Council has an “obligation to act decisively and without double standards”, he said it is for “sovereign peoples to decide their destinies” with full respect for human rights.

Warning against regime change by external actors and extraterritorial measures, he said such actions have “historically” only exacerbated conflicts and weakened societies.Jan 5, 2026  07:47 PM

Brazil rejects Venezuela intervention, says ‘South America is a zone of peace’

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Sérgio França Danese (Brazil) said his country firmly rejects the armed intervention in Venezuela, calling it a blatant violation of the Charter of the UN and international law. 

Stressing that “South America is a zone of peace”, he warned that bombings on Venezuelan territory and the capture of its President “cross an unacceptable line”.  International norms, he said, allow no exceptions based on interests or ideology.

Warning against spheres of influence, he linked weakened global governance to record conflicts, soaring humanitarian needs and military spending nearing $2.7 trillion.Jan 5, 2026  07:42 PM

Human rights crisis in Venezuela has ‘no military solution’,

says Chile, condemning actions by United States

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Chile’s delegate condemned the United States’ unilateral military action in Venezuela, stressing that although Santiago does not recognize the Maduro regime, “the serious violations of human rights… do not have a military solution”.

She said Venezuela’s crisis must be addressed through the “legitimate aspirations” of its people, expressed in free elections and citizen participation.

Recalling Chile’s own recovery of democracy with international support and organized citizens, she urged the Secretary-General and the Council to help de-escalate the situation.Jan 5, 2026  07:29 PM

Argentina backs United States pressure on Venezuela, calls for ‘firm commitment’ to democracy

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Francisco Fabián Tropepi (Argentina) welcomed President Donald J. Trump’s “decisive action”, saying it could help end repression that has driven millions of Venezuelans into poverty and forced some 8 million to flee.

Warning that drug trafficking from Venezuela has harmed the entire region, he said Buenos Aires has “unequivocally denounced the lack of freedom” there.

Recalling Argentina’s asylum for opposition figures, he urged international support for a peaceful path to “restore institutional normalcy” and called for the release of an Argentine citizen detained since 2024.Jan 5, 2026  07:17 PM

United States aggression driven by greed for natural resources, says Venezuela

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Samuel Moncada (Venezuela) said that not only his country’s sovereignty is at stake, but also “the credibility of international law” and the authority of the United Nations.

He said Venezuela was subjected to an “illegitimate armed attack” by the United States on 3 January, lacking any legal justification and constituting a flagrant violation of the UN Charter, Geneva Conventions and the principle of sovereign equality.

Warning that tolerating the “kidnapping of a Head of State” and attacks on civilians would signal that “the law is optional”, he argued that the aggression is driven by Venezuela’s natural resources and geopolitical position.Jan 5, 2026  07:07 PM

‘Maduro’s claim to power was fraudulent’, says United Kingdom

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James Kariuki (United Kingdom) said that Maduro’s actions created extreme levels of poverty, violent repression and failing basic services and precipitated a displacement crisis affecting the whole region.

“Maduro’s claim to power was fraudulent,” he said, noting his country’s desire to see a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate Government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people.

He also reaffirmed his country’s commitment to international law and the principles enshrined in the Charter.  “These foundations are essential for maintaining global peace, security and the rule of law,” he said.Jan 5, 2026  07:04 PM

Maduro’s regime repeatedly violated UN Charter,

undermined international law, says Latvia

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Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes (Latvia) said that Mr. Maduro’s regime “was rooted in mass repression, corruption and organized crime, including drug trafficking, and posed a grave threat to the security of the region and the world”.

The regime repeatedly violated the UN Charter and undermined international law, including through its open support for the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine.

She said that her country stands prepared to continue working with its partners to support a peaceful, democratic and just transition in Venezuela. Jan 5, 2026  06:55 PM

Panama urges democratic transition in Venezuela anchored in popular will, respect for international law

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Eloy Alfaro de Alba (Panama) said that events in Venezuela are regrettable for their potential impact on regional peace but called for a constructive, forward-looking approach.

Reaffirming his country’s commitment to multilateralism, sovereignty and the UN Charter, he said Venezuela’s crisis stems from sustained democratic erosion and rejected recognition of what it called an illegitimate, authoritarian regime.

He demanded the immediate release of political prisoners, highlighted the humanitarian and migratory fallout affecting the region, including Panama, and urged a peaceful, democratic transition reflecting the will expressed in Venezuela’s 2024 elections.