Europe Divided as U.S. Seizes Venezuela Leader

European leaders are struggling to respond to the U.S. operation that removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. They are caught between supporting his removal and condemning the breach of international law. The United States captured Maduro and announced it would run Venezuela, taking control of its vast oil industry. This forceful intervention has created a diplomatic crisis. Many European nations had refused to recognize Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate leader since the widely disputed 2024 elections. They welcome the prospect of democratic change. However, the manner of the transfer of power presents a major problem. European officials are now torn, trying to endorse the result while upholding the global rules that appear to have been broken.