HELSINKI — Finnish President Alexander Stubb on Sunday acknowledged the lack of democratic legitimacy in Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's regime but emphasized that all states must adhere to international law in response to the U.S. military intervention that captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Stubb wrote: "Nicolás Maduro's regime has long been illegitimate. The elections in 2024 were grossly unfair. Finland has stated this position previously as a part of the EU. The Union has also imposed sanctions on Venezuela." He reiterated Finland's longstanding criticism of Maduro's government, aligning with the European Union's repeated condemnations of electoral fraud and human rights violations in Venezuela.
However, Stubb balanced this view by underscoring the primacy of international norms: "However, all states have a responsibility to respect and comply with international law. Preserving this principle is in Finland's vital interests. It is a cornerstone of our foreign policy." He highlighted that Finland, as a small nation reliant on a rules-based global order, views strict adherence to the UN Charter and prohibitions on the use of force as essential to its security.
The Finnish leader concluded by stating: "Right now it is important to support the transition to a democratic government," adding that Finland is "monitoring the situation closely." His remarks reflect Helsinki's cautious approach, supporting democratic aspirations in Venezuela while cautioning against unilateral actions that could undermine international legal frameworks.
Stubb's statement is consistent with Finland's foreign policy priorities, particularly since joining NATO in 2023 and emphasizing multilateralism amid regional security challenges. Finland has historically advocated for peaceful resolutions and respect for sovereignty, principles rooted in its own experiences with great-power interventions during the 20th century.
The comments came one day after the U.S.-led "Operation Absolute Resolve" on January 3, 2026, which involved airstrikes on military and civilian installations across northern Venezuela, including sites near Caracas. Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a national emergency, accusing the U.S. of "imperialist aggression" aimed at seizing the country's vast oil reserves—the largest proven in the world. Reports of casualties vary, with Venezuelan sources claiming at least 40 deaths, including civilians.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the "large-scale" operation on Truth Social, announcing that special forces had captured Maduro and Flores from their residence in the Fuerte Tiuna military complex. The couple was flown to New York, where they are detained pending federal charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation based on a superseding 2020 indictment alleging leadership of the "Cartel de los Soles." Maduro is scheduled for an initial court appearance on January 5.
Trump later declared that the U.S. would temporarily "run" Venezuela to oversee a "safe, proper, and judicious transition" and rehabilitate its "broken" oil infrastructure, which has declined sharply due to sanctions, mismanagement, and underinvestment. The operation followed months of escalating pressure, including targeted strikes on alleged trafficking networks and reinforced sanctions.
Maduro, who has led Venezuela since 2013 following Hugo Chávez's death, has repeatedly denied drug trafficking allegations and expressed willingness for mediated talks. The 2024 presidential election, widely criticized by the EU, U.S., and observers as fraudulent, saw Maduro claim victory amid opposition claims of widespread irregularities.
International reactions have been sharply polarized. Allies of Venezuela, including Russia, China, Malaysia, and North Korea, strongly condemned the strikes as violations of sovereignty and called for Maduro's immediate release. Russia described the action as hypocrisy undermining U.S. criticism of its own operations. China urged an end to regime change efforts.
In Europe, responses were measured. Pope Leo XIV appealed for peace, sovereignty, and human rights protection. Protests against the intervention occurred in Amsterdam and other cities. Some leaders, like France's Emmanuel Macron, noted Maduro's rights abuses but criticized the use of force. The Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference rejected violence and called for unity.
Finland's position aligns with broader EU caution. The European Union has maintained sanctions on Venezuelan officials since 2017 for human rights violations and undermining democracy, but has consistently advocated diplomatic solutions. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas echoed concerns over international law while welcoming potential democratic progress.
Neighboring countries like Colombia bolstered border security amid fears of refugee flows, while opposition-aligned figures and diaspora communities celebrated in cities such as Miami and Madrid.
The UN Security Council is set for an emergency session on January 5, requested by Venezuela and allies, where legality under the UN Charter will be debated. Legal scholars argue the operation breaches prohibitions on force except in self-defense or with Security Council authorization, drawing parallels to historical U.S. interventions like Panama in 1989.
Stubb's balanced stance underscores Nordic and Finnish emphasis on rule of law as a shield for smaller states in an era of great-power competition. As global tensions rise, Finland continues close monitoring, prioritizing stability and democratic transitions through multilateral channels.
