In a significant development reflecting the depth of geopolitical alliances in Latin America, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Iván Gil announced on Monday that he had received an important phone call from his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov. Gil confirmed that the call focused on Moscow's reaffirmation of its "full and unconditional" support for Caracas amid escalating tensions with the United States, particularly regarding recent events in the Caribbean.
Contact details and mutual accusations
The Venezuelan minister explained in an official statement that the talks directly addressed what he described as "flagrant attacks and violations of international law" taking place in Caribbean waters. Gil quoted Lavrov as strongly condemning these practices, noting that the discussion included "attacks on boats, extrajudicial killings, and acts of illegal piracy" which Venezuela accuses the United States government of perpetrating.
For his part, Lavrov stressed that this type of aggression "cannot be tolerated," pledging that Russia would provide all forms of cooperation and support to Venezuela to break the blockade imposed on it, and affirming his country's support for the measures taken by Venezuela in the UN Security Council to defend its sovereignty.
Background of the strategic alliance between Moscow and Caracas
This Russian support is not a recent development, but rather an extension of strong historical and strategic ties that were strengthened during the era of the late President Hugo Chávez and have continued strongly under the current President Nicolás Maduro. Russia views Venezuela as a key ally and a strategic foothold in the Western Hemisphere, in the face of American influence.
This alliance has manifested itself in several areas, most notably military and energy cooperation, where Russian investments and expertise have helped bolster Venezuela's oil sector, which is suffering under sanctions. In return, Maduro was among the first leaders to openly support Russian military operations in Ukraine, reflecting the shared path and destiny of the two countries in confronting Western policies.
Tensions in the Caribbean and their international dimensions
The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a parallel statement in which the two ministers expressed their deep concern over Washington's escalation in the Caribbean region. Moscow warned that these actions could have serious consequences for regional stability and threaten the safety of international navigation.
This escalation comes at a time when the United States is attempting to tighten its economic noose around Venezuela by seizing shipments or imposing sanctions on oil tankers, actions Caracas describes as "piracy." Observers believe that Russia's strong entry into this crisis aims to send a message to Washington that Venezuela is not alone, and that its policy of maximum pressure could be met with coordinated international responses, reviving memories of international polarization and attempts to redraw the balance of power in vital regions around the world.
