By Reuters

Russia and Iran broadly condemned the U.S. attack on Venezuela early Saturday, while elsewhere, world leaders called for de-escalation and said they are monitoring the situation.

The Russian foreign ministry called Saturday’s strikes on Venezuela “an act of armed aggression” that is “deeply concerning and condemnable.”

“With President [Donald] Trump, the U.S. are abandoning the rules-based order that has shaped us since 1945,” he said. “The coup in Venezuela marks a return to the old U.S. doctrine from before 1940: a mindset of thinking in terms of spheres of influence, where the law of force rules, not international law.”

Kiesewetter added: “Trump is destroying what was left of any trust in the U.S.”

Maxime Prevot, Belgium’s deputy prime minister and foreign affairs minister, said the safety of its citizens in Venezuels is the European country’s top priority.

“Our embassy in Bogotá, which is responsible for Venezuela, and our services in Brussels are fully mobilized. The situation is being closely monitored, in coordination with our European partners.”

The Spanish foreign ministry urged the U.S. to de-escalate hostilities.

“In this regard, Spain is willing to offer its good offices to achieve a peaceful and negotiated solution to the current crisis,” it said in a statement.

Giuseppe Conte, a former prime minister and current opposition party leader in Italy, said the U.S. operation “has no legal basis.”

“We are facing a blatant violation of international law, which certifies the dominance of the strongest and best equipped militarily… I hope that the entire international community will make its voice heard and that everyone will understand that if rules only apply to enemies and not to friends, no one can feel safe anymore. Nor can the illiberal nature of a government’s rule justify an attack to a sovereign state.”

Yvonne Mewengkang, spokesperson for Indonesia’s foreign ministry, said it is monitoring developments to ensure the safety of its citizens in Venezuela.

“Indonesia also calls on all relevant parties to prioritize peaceful resolution through de-escalation and dialogue, while prioritizing the protection of civilians.”

“Indonesia emphasizes the importance of respecting international law and the principles of the UN Charter.”

In Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Kamala Persad-Bissessar made clear that the country is not participating in U.S. military operations in Venezuela.

“Trinidad and Tobago continues to maintain peaceful relations with the people of Venezuela,” Persad-Bissessar said.