Keir Starmer Declines to Condemn U.S. Attack on Venezuela as Maduro is Imprisoned in New York – Live Updates

The British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has faced pressure from opposition parties to condemn the recent US military action in Venezuela. Critics argue that Starmer is capitulating to US President Donald Trump, aiming to maintain favorable relations with Washington for economic and security purposes.

In an interview aired on the BBC’s Sunday program with Laura Kuenssberg, Starmer was asked whether he would condemn the US attack on Venezuela, a sovereign nation. He stated, “I want to gather all material facts together; currently, we do not have the full picture—it’s evolving rapidly.” He emphasized that there was no UK involvement in the US military operation.

Starmer noted the importance of speaking with Trump and other UK allies before offering further comments. While he claims to be a “lifelong advocate for international law,” he refrained from condemning the US attack, citing the need to ensure he has all the relevant facts at his “disposal.”

Kamal Harris Calls US Actions “Unlawful and Unwise”

Former US Vice President Kamal Harris commented on the recent US military actions in Venezuela, labeling them as “unlawful and unwise.” She expressed that such moves do not enhance American safety, strength, or affordability.

“That Maduro is a brutal, illegitimate dictator does not change the fact that this action was both unlawful and unwise. We’ve seen this movie before. Wars for regime change or oil that are sold as strength but turn into chaos, and American families pay the price.”

Legal Justifications and International Law Challenges

Many nations regard Nicolás Maduro as an illegitimate leader, but the legality of the US operation to capture him has been significantly questioned. Some experts assert that it violated international law and ignored sovereign rights, potentially destabilizing the region. According to legal expert Geoffrey Robertson KC, the US may have breached the United Nations Charter, committing what is termed “the crime of aggression.”

Global Reactions to the US Military Actions

Responses from world leaders vary widely:

• China called for the immediate release of Maduro and his wife, emphasizing that their deportation violates international law.
• Russia urged the US to reconsider its actions and release the “legally elected president” of Venezuela.
• Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned the attack, stating it crossed an “unacceptable line” and represents a serious threat to Venezuela’s sovereignty.
• Colombian President Gustavo Petro labeled the US actions as an “assault on the sovereignty” of Latin America, warning of a potential humanitarian crisis.

Maduro’s Future and US Foreign Policy Implications

Maduro was reported to have arrived at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn and is expected to make an initial court appearance. As the situation unfolds, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth remarked that the US would be “very strongly involved” in Venezuela’s oil industry following the military intervention.