After following the developments in Venezuela “since the very first evolutions”, Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, concluded, the government of Italy is of the belief that, “external military action is not the path to take to put an end to totalitarian regimes”.
President of oil-rich Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, was captured by Forces of the United States (US) during strikes on Saturday 3 January, 2026, and taken to America alongside his wife.
Maduro is being held in a jail in the city of New York and faces drug trafficking-related charges; he has previously denied being the leader of a drug cartel.
The Italian PM said, Italy has never recognized the “self-proclaimed” victory of Maduro, and has not stopped to support the “aspiration to a democratic transition” of the people of Venezuela.
Meloni reacted on X: “I have followed the developments in Venezuela since the very first evolutions.
“Italy, together with the main international partners, has never recognized Maduro’s self-proclaimed electoral victory, condemning the regime’s acts of repression and has always supported the Venezuelan people’s aspiration to a democratic transition.”
She said, the government of Italy will continue to follow the situation of Italians in the South American country, adding, their security is “absolute priority” of the government.
Delcy Rodriguez, Vice President of Venezuela, condemned the capture of Maduro, saying he is “the only president of Venezuela”.
President of the United States (US), Donald Trump, said, Washington will “run” Venezuela, but, did not give details on how America will get it done.
The United Nations Security Council is due to meet on Monday on the matter, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres saying the US actions set “a dangerous precedent”.
Meloni further reacted: “Consistent with Italy’s historic position, the Government believes that external military action is not the path to take to put an end to totalitarian regimes, but at the same time considers legitimate an intervention of a defensive nature against hybrid attacks on its own security, as in the case of state entities that fuel and favor narcotrafficking.
“We continue to follow with particular attention the situation of the Italian community in Venezuela, whose security constitutes the Government’s absolute priority.”
Condemning the action by the US on Venezuela, a Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, reads:
The Secretary-General is deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in Venezuela, culminating with today’s United States military action in the country, which has potential worrying implications for the region.
Independently of the situation in Venezuela, these developments constitute a dangerous precedent. The Secretary-General continues to emphasize the importance of full respect – by all – of international law, including the UN Charter. He’s deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected.
The Secretary-General calls on all actors in Venezuela to engage in inclusive dialogue, in full respect of human rights and the rule of law.
