 "Countries including US allies France, Greece and Denmark called for de-escalation and dialogue to resolve tensions, and adherence to international law. (Photo: Reuters)")
Members of the United Nations Security Council, on Friday, October 10, raised concern over rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela during a council meeting, following US strikes on vessels off the Venezuelan coast allegedly carrying drugs. Russia accused Washington of acting on a “shoot-first cowboy principle,” while several council members urged dialogue, de-escalation, and strict adherence to international law.
Russia’s Ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, told the 15-member council that Venezuela had reason to believe the United States was prepared to shift from threats to direct action. Several countries, including American allies France, Greece and Denmark, urged both sides to de-escalate, engage in dialogue, and uphold international law.
In recent weeks, the United States has targeted several vessels off the Venezuelan coast, alleging they were involved in drug trafficking. The US representative to the UN meeting, John Kelly, said Washington “will not waver in our action to protect our nation from narco terrorists.” The strikes, which the Trump administration describes as part of its conflict with drug cartels, have sparked concern among Democratic lawmakers and raised questions about their legality amid the expansion of presidential powers.
Russia, Venezuela and Others condemn US Strikes
Nebenzia denounced the attacks as severe violations of international law and human rights, stating that “boats that people were on were simply fired upon in the high seas without a trial or investigation.” He criticised what he called the “cowboy principle of ‘shoot first’,” adding, “And now we’re being asked to retroactively believe that there were criminals on board.”
Venezuela’s Ambassador to the UN, Samuel Moncada, said the US military build-up in the region and Washington’s “belligerent action and rhetoric” had placed his country in a position where it was “rational to anticipate that in the very short term an armed attack is to be perpetrated against Venezuela.”
Panama’s Deputy UN Ambassador, Ricardo Moscoso, acknowledged legitimate concerns over drug trafficking, piracy, and other illicit activities but urged for “coordinated and sustainable strategies” rather than military responses. He emphasised that regional threats should be met through collective efforts grounded in respect for international law and a commitment to peace and stability.
France’s Deputy UN Envoy, Jay Dharmadhikari, said Paris supported multilateral initiatives to combat trafficking and reinforce border controls, adding that such actions must align with human rights and international law. “In this context,” he said, “states must refrain from any unilateral armed action.”