In a press statement today, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized that respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states remains a fundamental principle under international law. He specifically highlighted Gaza, Venezuela, and Ukraine as regions where this principle must be upheld without compromise. The declaration comes amid escalating international tensions following the United States’ recent military operation in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
The U.S. action unfolded on January 3, 2026, when American forces conducted strikes in Caracas and extracted Maduro along with his wife, Cilia Flores. President Donald Trump announced the operation, stating that the U.S. would assume control of Venezuela’s governance in the wake of the seizure. Maduro, who has faced longstanding accusations from the U.S. of involvement in drug trafficking and corruption, was transported to New York, where he appeared in federal court on January 5. During the arraignment, Maduro pleaded not guilty to narcotics charges, describing his removal as a kidnapping and asserting his innocence as a “decent man.” The operation, codenamed by U.S. officials as a “law enforcement action,” involved airstrikes and special forces, marking a significant escalation in U.S.-Venezuela relations.
This intervention has drawn widespread international condemnation. Spain, along with several Latin American nations including Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay, issued a joint communiqué rejecting the unilateral military actions and calling for adherence to international law. The European Union also released a statement urging respect for sovereignty, though one member state reportedly withheld support. Critics, including legal experts, have argued that the seizure of a sitting head of state lacks justification under international norms, potentially setting a dangerous precedent for global relations. In contrast, some U.S. allies have remained silent or expressed measured approval, viewing the move as a response to years of political instability and humanitarian crises in Venezuela.
Sánchez’s remarks today build on Spain’s earlier positions. On January 4, he had already condemned the violation of international law in Venezuela in a letter, and Spain has consistently refused to recognize interventions that undermine sovereignty. By linking Venezuela’s situation to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, Sánchez drew parallels between foreign interventions across different regions. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has involved territorial annexations that much of the international community, including Spain, has deemed illegal. Similarly, the conflict in Gaza, intensified since October 2023, has raised concerns over territorial control and humanitarian access, with international calls for ceasefires and respect for borders under UN resolutions.
As legal proceedings against Maduro continue in the U.S., with further hearings expected, the global community watches closely. The United Nations Security Council has convened emergency sessions to address the fallout, with members slamming the action as an abduction. Meanwhile, Venezuela remains under interim U.S. oversight, with reports of ongoing stabilization efforts and calls for a swift return to civilian rule.
