Russia and China condemned the United States at a UN Security Council meeting, accusing Washington of committing “crimes” and “bullying” in Venezuela. The criticism followed a U.S.-led military operation that included deadly strikes and the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.

Russia’s UN envoy Vasily Nebenzya said there was “no justification” for the U.S. actions, describing them as outright “crimes” against a sovereign nation. China’s deputy UN envoy Geng Shuang said Beijing was “deeply shocked” by what he called “illegal and bullying” behavior by the United States.

The confrontation has intensified debate over sovereignty and intervention, with Washington defending its operation as necessary while critics warn it risks escalating instability across Latin America.