The UN Security Council turned sharply divided as European powers shifted focus to Nicolas Maduro’s rule while much of the Global South condemned the U.S. military intervention. Britain, Denmark and France questioned Maduro’s legitimacy, citing disputed elections, repression and human rights abuses. Across the chamber, BRICS and regional nations accused Washington of violating international law and destabilising Venezuela. The clash exposed a widening fault line over sovereignty, democracy and the use of force.