EU urges de-escalation in Venezuela crisis after US military action. EU leaders stress international law, citizen safety, and peaceful resolution as tensions rise following claims of President Maduro’s capture.
The European Union has expressed grave concern over the rapidly escalating crisis in Venezuela following a dramatic military operation announced by the United States, urging all parties to exercise restraint and adhere strictly to international law.
European Council President Antonio Costa said on Saturday that the European Union was closely monitoring the volatile situation in Venezuela and called for immediate de-escalation. In a statement posted on social media platform X, Costa stressed that any resolution to the crisis must fully respect international law and the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.
“The European Union calls for de-escalation and a resolution in full respect of international law and the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations,” Costa said. He reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting a peaceful, democratic, and inclusive solution to the political turmoil in Venezuela, which has intensified following claims of direct US military involvement.
Costa also underlined the European Union’s support for ongoing diplomatic efforts led by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. According to him, these efforts are being carried out in coordination with EU member states, with a primary focus on ensuring the safety and security of European citizens currently residing in Venezuela.
Earlier on Saturday, Kallas echoed similar concerns, stating that the European Union was closely observing developments on the ground and urging restraint from all actors involved. She emphasized that respect for international law and the United Nations Charter must remain central to any actions taken amid the crisis.
Kallas revealed that she had held discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the European Union’s Ambassador in Caracas. She reiterated that the protection of EU citizens in Venezuela was the bloc’s top priority during this period of heightened instability, according to reports by Xinhua news agency.
The situation escalated further after US President Donald Trump announced that the United States had conducted what he described as a “large-scale strike” against Venezuela. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had been captured during the operation and flown out of the country along with his wife.
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro,” Trump wrote, adding that the operation was conducted in conjunction with US law enforcement agencies. He also announced a press conference scheduled for later in the day at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
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In response, Venezuelan authorities strongly condemned the action, denouncing it as “military aggression” by the United States. Reports from Caracas indicated that large explosions were heard across the capital earlier on Saturday, while aircraft were seen flying over the city, fueling fears of further military escalation.
The unfolding crisis has raised alarm across the international community, with concerns mounting over regional stability, civilian safety, and the broader implications for global diplomacy. As tensions remain high, the European Union continues to press for dialogue, restraint, and a peaceful resolution rooted in international norms and legal frameworks.
