Russia strongly condemned the US military operation in Venezuela, describing it as an “armed aggression” lacking any legal or moral justification. In a strongly worded statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry demanded that Washington provide immediate clarification regarding the whereabouts of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, noting that this escalation reflects the triumph of “ideological hostility” over diplomacy and political pragmatism.
Moscow: Washington's excuses are unacceptable
The Russian Foreign Ministry, in a statement issued this morning, asserted that the pretexts offered by the United States to justify its military actions are “unacceptable,” deeming the events a blatant violation of the sovereignty of an independent state. The statement read: “This morning, the United States carried out an armed aggression against Venezuela. This is extremely alarming and deserves condemnation in the strongest terms.” The ministry added that this behavior reflects a dangerous trend in international relations that threatens global stability.
Background of Russian-Venezuelan relations
Russia’s angry reaction cannot be understood in isolation from the history of strategic relations between Moscow and Caracas. From the era of the late President Hugo Chávez to the current rule of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela has been a key Russian ally in Latin America. Russia has invested billions of dollars in Venezuela’s energy sector, in addition to the close military cooperation between the two countries. Moscow views US attempts at regime change in Venezuela as part of a broader strategy to contain Russian influence and undermine its allies around the world.
US-Venezuelan tensions and their repercussions
This event comes as the culmination of years of escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas, with the United States imposing a series of harsh economic sanctions on Venezuela, accusing the Maduro regime of corruption and human rights abuses. In turn, Venezuela has long accused the United States of plotting military coups and seeking to control the country's vast oil reserves, the largest in the world. Observers believe this military escalation could drag the region into a spiral of violence and instability, negatively impacting global energy markets and regional security.
Russian solidarity and assurances regarding citizens
The Russian Foreign Ministry concluded its statement by affirming its full solidarity with the Venezuelan people in this ordeal, stressing the need to respect the will of nations and refrain from interfering in their internal affairs. Moscow also reassured its citizens, noting that there were no reports of Russian citizens being injured in the US strikes, but warned of the grave consequences of such reckless military adventures.
