Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez issued a strong warning over the military operation carried out by the United States in Venezuela, arguing that the attack ordered by President Donald Trump sets “a very dangerous precedent” that threatens global stability and international law.

Speaking to reporters in Paris after attending a Coalition of the Willing meeting in support of Ukraine, Sánchez said the intervention in Venezuela “pushes the world toward a scenario of insecurity” and echoes past aggressions driven by energy interests.

“We cannot accept actions outside international law based on the rule of the strongest,” he said.

The Spanish leader stressed that without respect for national sovereignty, “there can be no prosperity or lasting stability.” He made clear that Spain will not remain silent in the face of what it views as a serious breach of international norms. “We will not look the other way. Spain will not be complicit,” Sánchez stated.

Sánchez reiterated that his government never recognized Nicolás Maduro’s presidency following Venezuela’s July 2024 elections, which Madrid considered flawed and lacking democratic guarantees. However, he emphasized that this position does not justify foreign military action.

“An illegal operation whose apparent goal is to change a country’s government and seize its natural resources cannot be legitimized,” he said.

Regarding the political situation in Caracas, Sánchez confirmed that his government intends to engage in dialogue with both the opposition and interim president Delcy Rodríguez.

Spain and the events in Venezuela

He said Spain is willing to play a constructive role in supporting a democratic transition. “The Venezuelan people must be able to decide their future freely and through elections,” he added.

The prime minister noted that many prominent Venezuelan opposition figures currently live in Spain, which he said increases Madrid’s diplomatic responsibility. He insisted that any solution must come from Venezuelans themselves, without external imposition.

Asked about the European Union’s response, Sánchez acknowledged that some EU partners have taken a more cautious stance toward the United States, but argued that commitment to a rules-based international order remains a defining European value.

“Defending the power of law over the law of force is essential, even if it causes discomfort,” he said.

Sánchez also addressed U.S. threats concerning Greenland, firmly defending Denmark’s territorial integrity. “Threatening a European country is unacceptable. Spain will support its allies and multilateralism, which is currently under serious strain,” he concluded.