Bratislava, January 5, 2026 – Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has strongly condemned the United States' military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, describing it as a violation of international law and evidence of the crumbling post-World War II global order. In a video statement posted on social media and reported by state news agency TASR, Fico acknowledged that while he rejects the action, he credits US President Donald Trump for openly admitting the operation's true motives—control over Venezuela's vast oil reserves—rather than cloaking it in rhetoric about democracy or human rights.
Fico's remarks come amid global outrage and debate following the January 3 US raid, codenamed "Operation Absolute Resolve," which involved airstrikes on Venezuelan military sites and a special forces extraction of Maduro from Caracas. Trump announced the success on Truth Social, stating that Maduro and Flores had been "captured and flown out of the country" to face long-standing US charges of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. Maduro arrived in New York on January 4 and is scheduled for arraignment in federal court.
"I firmly condemn and reject the American military action against Venezuela," Fico said in his Sunday statement. He emphasized that peace remains the cornerstone of Slovakia's foreign policy and vowed that his government would not be drawn into any "military adventure." Fico argued that major powers increasingly disregard international law, rendering the United Nations "on its knees" and its Security Council "toothless" without urgent reform.
While criticizing the operation as an "oil adventure," Fico noted a point of reluctant praise for Trump: "I must give Trump credit for one thing: he did not justify his decision with false pretexts about the need to spread democracy or protect human rights, as the Biden administration or any previous American president would have done. He spoke openly about the control of Venezuelan oil and the entry of American companies into the Venezuelan oil industry."
Trump has indeed been explicit about economic interests. In press conferences and statements following the raid, he declared that the US would "run" Venezuela temporarily, rebuild its dilapidated oil infrastructure with investments from American companies, and secure access to the world's largest proven oil reserves. "We built Venezuela’s oil industry," Trump said, referring to historical US involvement before nationalizations under Hugo Chávez and Maduro. He pledged that US firms would "fix the badly broken oil infrastructure and start making money for the country," framing the intervention as beneficial for both nations.
Fico highlighted the inconsistency this poses for small nations like Slovakia. "In a small country like Slovakia, we can do nothing. We just watch in disbelief as elite US military units kidnap the president of a sovereign country," he said. He drew parallels to his past positions: withdrawing Slovak troops from Iraq, vetoing EU mandatory migrant quotas, rejecting a proposed war loan for Ukraine, and condemning Russia's actions there as violations of international law. "I would look ridiculous and untrustworthy if... I purposefully remained silent in the case of Venezuela," Fico added.
The prime minister warned of potential short-term strain on Slovak-US relations, especially amid ongoing negotiations for a nuclear cooperation agreement tied to a new unit at the Jaslovské Bohunice power plant. "There is no way out for me here," he stated. "If the American president has unhesitatingly stated what he wants in Venezuela... I have an obligation to openly express my opinion."
Fico also challenged the European Union to respond consistently, questioning whether it would condemn the US action or expose "pharisaical" double standards in its criticism of other conflicts. His stance aligns with broader international reactions: strong condemnations from China, Russia, Cuba, and several Latin American nations, alongside support from some US allies and Venezuelan opposition figures.
The US operation, involving Delta Force and over 150 aircraft, has been described by the Trump administration as a law enforcement action with military support to apprehend an indicted fugitive. Critics, including UN officials and international law experts, argue it violates the UN Charter and Venezuela's sovereignty. Casualties remain unclear, with Venezuelan reports of dozens killed, including civilians and military personnel.
Maduro, who has led Venezuela since 2013 amid economic collapse and accusations of authoritarianism, faces charges carrying potential life sentences. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has assumed interim leadership, vowing resistance and demanding Maduro's release.
As global tensions rise, Fico reiterated Slovakia's commitment to a multipolar world based on respectful relations with all powers. "At the beginning of 2026, we're facing a similar situation [to pre-WWII conflicts]. All the more reason to speak loudly about peace," he concluded.
This episode underscores deepening fractures in international norms, with implications for energy markets, regional stability in Latin America, and transatlantic alliances. Oil prices surged briefly following the raid, reflecting fears of disruption in Venezuela's production, though analysts predict long-term challenges in reviving the sector.
