During an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Monday, Russia and China criticized the United States over the detention of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
Russia’s UN representative, Vasily Nebenzya, strongly denounced what he described as America’s unprovoked military actions, claiming the Trump administration’s Operation Absolute Solution signifies a troubling return to the “era of illegality.” It’s, uh, quite a statement, really.
Nebenzya contended, “The crimes committed by the United States against Venezuela are inexcusable and cannot be rationalized,” citing the US actions despite ongoing allegations that Russia has repeatedly attempted to harm Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy during the conflict initiated by the Kremlin.
In a similar tone, Sun Lei, China’s deputy permanent representative at the UN, expressed disapproval of the US’s actions, stressing the need to respect Venezuela’s sovereignty and its security.
Interestingly, Mr. Sun didn’t touch on China’s own contentious behavior towards Taiwan, instead asserting that no nation should assume a policing role over others.
He stated, “The United States seems to favor its own power over real multilateral efforts, employing military force rather than diplomacy, which poses significant risks to both Latin America and global peace.” It’s a pretty bold claim.
Sun urged the US to reconsider its approach—suggesting it should abandon its bullying tactics and nurture relationships with regional nations focused on mutual respect and non-interference.
As permanent members of the UN Security Council, Russia, China, the US, the UK, and France are supposed to work towards promoting peace globally.
The emergency session was prompted by a recent US operation that led to the capture of Maduro and his wife in Caracas. They were subsequently brought to New York, facing serious federal charges, including drug trafficking.
The US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Walz, staunchly defended the operation, stating that Washington was arresting drug traffickers who are now facing justice.
“Nicolás Maduro is accountable for harming the American populace, destabilizing the region, and oppressing the Venezuelan people,” Walz argued in a tense congressional session.
He also claimed that Maduro had unlawfully declined to relinquish power after losing the 2024 elections, labeling him a “fugitive from justice.”
Walz portrayed the Caracas action as a straightforward law enforcement mission.
In their court appearance in Manhattan, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty, while Maduro insisted he had been “kidnapped” and asserted his status as a “decent human being.” It’s a lot to take in, really.
