Russia condemns the US operation in Venezuela and demands Maduro's whereabouts
In a dangerous escalation of events on the international stage, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a strongly worded statement condemning the US military operation in Venezuela, describing it as an “armed aggression” lacking any legal or moral justification. Moscow demanded that Washington provide immediate and urgent clarification regarding the whereabouts of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, given the conflicting reports surrounding his fate following the operation.
The Russian Foreign Ministry issued an official statement saying: “This morning, the United States carried out an armed attack against Venezuela. This is extremely alarming and deserves the strongest condemnation.” The ministry added that the pretexts offered by the US administration to justify these actions were “unacceptable,” asserting that the incident reflects the triumph of “ideological hostility” over the language of diplomacy and political pragmatism that should govern international relations.
Background of the conflict and Russian-Venezuelan relations
This event cannot be understood in isolation from the decades-long, strained history of relations between Washington and Caracas. The United States has consistently viewed the Venezuelan regime, from Hugo Chávez to Nicolás Maduro, as a challenge to its influence in Latin America. Conversely, Russia has cultivated close strategic ties with Venezuela, encompassing military cooperation, energy deals, and economic support, making Caracas one of Moscow's most important allies in the Western Hemisphere.
Moscow views the US moves toward Venezuela as a blatant interference in the affairs of a sovereign state and an attempt to impose regime change by force, which Russia has repeatedly opposed in the Security Council and international forums, stressing the need to respect the choices of the Venezuelan people.
The repercussions of the operation on the international scene
This military development carries serious implications that extend far beyond Venezuela's borders. Observers believe this operation could exacerbate tensions between major powers, particularly between the United States and Russia, as the attack is seen as a direct blow to Russian interests in the region. The event also raises regional concerns in Latin America about a return to policies of direct military intervention, which could destabilize the entire region.
The Russian Foreign Ministry concluded its statement by affirming its full solidarity with the Venezuelan people in this ordeal, noting at the same time that there were no reports of Russian citizens being injured during the US strikes, but that concern still prevailed while awaiting the revelation of the fate of the Venezuelan leadership and the next steps in this open conflict.
