European leaders are split after the US moved against Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro. The US does not recognise Maduro as legitimate and claims self-defence, citing drug trafficking. However, international law experts see no legal support for this use of force. Yale professor Oona Hathaway said, “If drug trafficking is a reasonable justification for attacking another country then a whole range of possible arguments can be made that basically mean that self-defence is no longer a real exception.” Some European leaders back a peaceful democratic transition and respect for international law. EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas urged restraint, saying, “The EU has repeatedly stated that Maduro lacks legitimacy, and has defended a peaceful transition.” The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen added, “Any solution must respect international law and the charter of the United Nations.” Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called Maduro’s regime brutal but avoided commenting on the US operation’s legality. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni supported the US move as a “defensive intervention.” France was cautious; President Emmanuel Macron welcomed an end to Maduro’s dictatorship and called for a peaceful transition led by the opposition. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot strongly criticized the operation, saying it “violates the principle of non-use of force that underpins international law.” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressed international law but did not address the US actions directly. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Cuba might be next, saying, “If I were them, I would be a little worried.” Critics highlight that multilateral efforts failed to bring a peaceful solution in Venezuela despite widespread protests and investigations into human rights abuses. According to Nizar El Fakih of the Atlantic Council, international institutions have made little progress, with no indictments from ongoing investigations into crimes against humanity. The situation reveals deep tensions in global order as powerful nations act unilaterally, challenging established international rules.