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Neighbouring Latin American countries condemned the actions, as did Venezuela's long-term allies, Russia and China. China said it was "deeply shocked and strongly condemns" the use of force against a sovereign country and its president.
Sir Keir said he had not yet spoken to US President Donald Trump about the US operation to seize President Nicolas Maduro in the country's capital, Caracas.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the operation was done in conjunction with US Law Enforcement.
US President Donald Trump for months had threatened that he could soon order strikes on targets on Venezuelan land.
In an interview with Venezuelan state TV, Maduro said he was ready for dialogue with the US "wherever they want and whenever they want".
In separate letters shared late on Tuesday December 30, 2025, both countries emphasised that the new measures were aimed at applying the same rules to Americans travelling to their countries as their citizens face when travelling to the US.
Zelensky said the meeting is expected to take place on Sunday and will centre on a US-backed peace framework that contains 20 key points, alongside separate proposals dealing with security guarantees for Ukraine. He said the talks could play a decisive role as negotiators push to finalise the plan.
The National Guard is primarily composed of state-controlled troops that respond to major emergencies such as natural disasters, civil unrest, or large-scale protests.
The US government has accused Venezuela of using oil profits to finance drug-related crime, while Caracas has condemned the seizures as "piracy." So far this month, the US military has captured two oil tankers, including one over the weekend, and is pursuing a third vessel described as part of a Venezuelan "dark fleet" that evades US sanctions.
African countries will be the most affected by the decision, with 15 nations scheduled to see their American envoys leave in January. These include Nigeria, Uganda, Senegal, Rwanda, Somalia, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Burundi, Gabon, Mauritius, Madagascar, Cape Verde, Niger, Algeria and Egypt.
The documents' release was prompted by an act of Congress that directed the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to make materials related to Epstein's crimes public. But some documents have numerous redactions, and others have not been shared publicly at all.
The operation was led by the US Coast Guard, similar to the operation earlier this month. The ship was boarded by a specialised tactical team, and was in international waters when it was taken.