European leaders appear torn in face of new world order after Venezuela attack

Leaders try to focus on what comes next, as backing for ejection of Maduro mingles uncomfortably with voicing of support for international law

• Venezuela crisis: latest updates

European leaders emerged divided and torn as they tried to welcome the ejection of Venezuela's authoritarian president, but still uphold the principles of international law that did not appear to allow Donald Trump to seize Nicolas Maduro, let alone declare that the US will run Venezuela and control its oil industry.

Europe tried to focus on the principle of a democratic transition, pointing out that the continent had not recognised Maduro as the legitimate leader of Venezuela since what were widely regarded as fraudulent elections in June 2024.