The world's "lukewarm" reaction to Washington's action is a sign of "regression at the civilizational level," the former Ecuadorian president  has told RT

Washington has set a "disastrous precedent" that can throw the world back into "barbarism" when it captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, the former Ecuadorian president, Rafael Correa, has told RT. The hypocritical international reaction, he argued, has allowed the US to get away with actions "impossible to accept in the 21st century."

The hypocritical international reaction has allowed the US to get away with actions that are "impossible to accept in the 21th century," the politician believes.

US special forces conducted airstrikes on the oil-rich South American country and captured Maduro as well as his wife in an early Saturday raid. They were then taken to the US and charged with drug trafficking conspiracy - allegations that Maduro has long denied. The Venezuelan president has previously warned that Washington was seeking a regime change in his country to get its hands on its natural resources.

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"Imagine for a moment that... [Russian President Vladimir] Putin captured [Ukraine's Vladimir] Zelensky," Correa said, commenting on the development. "Can you imagine what the world's response would be? Nothing like the response the United States is getting."

According to the former president, the international reaction to the US actions so far was nothing but "global hypocrisy" and double standards.

"This unprecedented, extraordinary event deserves a much stronger response from the international community," Correa said, adding that Washington trampled on the international law and brought back the times when might makes right.

"What they're saying is, either you do what I say or I'll bomb you again," Correa said. "It's something extremely dangerous for the entire planet, not just for Venezuela, not just for Latin America."

The US operation was strongly condemned by BRICS members, including Russia, China, Brazil and Iran. Moscow called for Venezuela to be guaranteed the right to determine its own fate. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said that Washington's actions "cross an unacceptable line" while Beijing called it a "hegemonic act."

Reactions from the West were much more muted. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged "restraint," calling for adherence to the UN Charter. A follow-up joint statement, signed by all EU members with the exception of Hungary, also neither condemned nor supported the move.