Kyiv [Ukraine], January 3 (ANI):
In the wake of the US operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Saturday emphasized that the people of Venezuela must have a chance for a normal life, security, prosperity, and human dignity.
Sybiha noted that Ukraine has not recognized “the Maduro regime.”
“Ukraine has consistently defended the right of nations to live freely, free of dictatorship, oppression, and human rights violations. The Maduro regime has violated all such principles in every respect. Democratic countries and human rights organizations across the globe have emphasized his regime’s widespread crimes, violence, torture, oppression, abuse of all basic freedoms, stolen votes, and destruction of democracy and the rule of law,” Sybiha said in a post on X.
“Ukraine has not recognized Maduro’s legitimacy following rigged elections and violence against protestors, along with dozens of other countries in different parts of the world. The people of Venezuela must have a chance for a normal life, security, prosperity, and human dignity. We will continue to support their right to such normality, respect, and freedom,” he added.
Sybiha said Ukraine stands for developments in accordance with international law, prioritizing democracy, human rights, and the interests of Venezuelans. “Thank you to everyone around the world who helps to protect life,” he said.
The capture of Maduro follows US President Donald Trump’s confirmation that the United States carried out a large strike against Venezuela, during which Maduro and his wife “were captured and flown out of the country.”
The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the US strike and the capture of Maduro, calling it an act of armed aggression and describing the pretext used to justify it as untenable. Iran’s Foreign Ministry also denounced the US military action, calling it a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty and the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and international law.
Divisions have emerged across Latin America over Maduro’s capture. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa Azin wrote on X, “To all the narco-Chavista criminals, your time is coming. Your structure will completely collapse across the entire continent. To the Venezuelan people: it’s time to reclaim your country. You have an ally in Ecuador.”
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas expressed support for the US action, noting that Nicolas Maduro lacked legitimacy.
Utah Senator Mike Lee said he was informed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Venezuelan President Maduro was arrested by US personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States. Lee added that the action likely falls within the president’s inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect US personnel from an actual or imminent attack.
US Attorney General Pamela Bondi also announced on Saturday that Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism and will face US justice. (ANI)
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