Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has broken ranks with European Union partners by characterizing the United States military operation in Venezuela as “legitimate,” despite having previously stated that external military action is not the way to end totalitarian regimes. Her support contrasts sharply with condemnations from France, Spain, and EU Commission leadership.
Meloni’s position reflects her far-right political orientation and closer alignment with the Trump administration compared to many other European leaders. The divided European response highlights political fractures within the EU, with most member states calling for respect of international law while Italy offers tacit support for the American intervention.
The Saturday operation resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who are being transported to New York to face drug trafficking charges according to US Attorney General Pam Bondi. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the charges relate to narcotics operations, while President Trump stated the couple is aboard a ship bound for the United States.
Most European leaders have condemned the operation as a violation of sovereignty and international legal norms. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized that military operations violating the prohibition on use of force cannot lead to lasting political solutions, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warned the intervention pushes the region toward uncertainty and belligerence.
The international community more broadly has issued widespread criticism, with UN Secretary General António Guterres warning of dangerous precedents and major powers including China and Russia condemning the action. Latin American responses have split along ideological lines, with right-wing governments offering support while leftist administrations joined in condemnation, and Colombia mobilizing its military in anticipation of potential refugee flows.