Greece Navigates Diplomatic Tightrope After U.S. Capture of Nicolás Maduro

Maduro's Capture and U.S. Action

Nicolás Maduro, the former President of Venezuela, and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured by U.S. special operations forces in a pre-dawn raid on January 3, 2026. The operation, dubbed 'Operation Absolute Resolve', took place at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas, Venezuela. Reports indicate the raid was the culmination of months of covert intelligence work and involved over 150 aircraft. While U.S. forces reportedly came under fire, no American casualties were reported. Maduro was apprehended while attempting to reach a fortified safe room. Following his capture, Maduro and Flores were transferred to the USS Iwo Jima before being flown to New York to face narco-terrorism charges. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the capture, praising the 'spectacular assault' and stating that the U.S. would 'run' Venezuela until a transition could be established.

Greece's Immediate Response and Diplomatic Stance

The capture of Nicolás Maduro has placed Greece in a delicate diplomatic position, requiring it to balance its robust alliance with the United States against its fundamental adherence to international law. On January 4, 2026, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis adopted a stance of 'pragmatic hope'. He stated, 'Nicolás Maduro presided over a brutal and repressive dictatorship that brought about unimaginable suffering on the Venezuelan people. The end of his regime offers new hope for the country. This is not the time to comment on the legality of the recent actions.' The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs echoed this sentiment, indicating they are 'closely monitoring the situation' and prioritizing the safety of Greek nationals while coordinating with European Union partners.

Domestic Political Divisions and International Law Concerns

The Greek government's cautious response has drawn criticism from domestic opposition parties. The main opposition party, PASOK, sharply commented on Mitsotakis's statement, describing it as 'obvious reluctance' and accusing the Prime Minister of 'fully harmoniz with the prevalence of the law of the jungle and the abandonment of any concept of international legitimacy.' The leftist party SYRIZA issued a strong rebuke, asserting that the U.S. operation 'violates every principle of international law' and represents 'cowboy logic' that undermines the UN Charter. Legal scholars in Athens have also voiced concerns, arguing that for a country like Greece, which relies on international law to defend its own borders, the unilateral removal of a head of state by a foreign power sets a dangerous precedent where 'might makes right' rather than a treaty-based international order. The Communist Party (KKE) organized rallies against the intervention outside the U.S. Embassy in Athens.

Historical Context of Greece-U.S. and Greece-Venezuela Relations

Greece and the United States share excellent diplomatic relations, characterized by strong historical, political, cultural, and religious ties. Greece is a key NATO ally and an important strategic partner for the U.S., with both nations committed to democratic values, respect for sovereignty, and international law. However, Greece's foreign policy has historically demonstrated a dual approach, balancing legal principles with strategic necessities. Regarding Venezuela, bilateral political relations have historically been good, with mutual embassy representation. However, in 2019, Greece, under Prime Minister Mitsotakis, aligned with most of the Western world in recognizing Juan Guaidó as Venezuela's interim president, a shift from the previous government's stance.