Russian Support for Venezuela Amid U.S. Actions
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, announced on Friday that Russia is prepared to take measures to protect Venezuela, sending a clear message to the Trump administration, which has intensified military efforts against drug trafficking related to Venezuela.
The statement, shared in English on social media, reinforced Russia’s commitment to supporting the sovereignty of Venezuela under the leadership of President Nicolás Maduro, who is often described as a socialist dictator.
“Considering the evolving international landscape, we stand by Venezuelan leaders as they uphold their national sovereignty,” Zakharova said in the statement. “We are ready to respond appropriately to our partners’ needs given the emerging threats.”
While the specifics of these “emerging” threats weren’t detailed, it’s evident that the Venezuelan government perceives U.S. military activities in international waters—targeting drug shipping routes—as a direct threat. President Trump has approved a surge in assaults against vessels identified as involved in drug trafficking, with Army Secretary Pete Hegseth describing them as connected to narco-terrorist organizations like Colombia’s ELN and FARC, and even drawing comparisons to al-Qaeda.
Believed to be intertwined with the Venezuelan government, the Sun Cartel is a global cocaine trafficking organization notorious for its operations. Diosdado Cabello, a prominent figure in Maduro’s administration, has long been suspected of leading this group, which has close ties to the state’s structure. Maduro himself is also thought to be deeply engaged in drug trafficking, prompting the U.S. to offer a $50 million reward for information leading to his capture.
In addition, Maduro is alleged to have connections with the Tren de Aragua gang, notorious for its involvement in crime both within and beyond Venezuela’s borders. The gang gained international attention after the government reportedly helped gang leaders escape from a prison.
“President Trump considers Nicolás Maduro an illegitimate leader presiding over a regime that has trafficked drugs into the U.S. for far too long, and we will not stand for it,” White House press secretary Caroline Levitt commented.
Contrarily, Maduro and his administration deny any link to drug trafficking or gang affiliations, labeling those claims as fabrications by the CIA.
Historically, Russia has been one of Maduro’s staunchest allies, regularly opposing U.S. actions in the Caribbean and beyond. Zakharova expressed concern over the U.S. targeting of drug traffickers, reiterating Russia’s commitment to supporting the Venezuelan government.
“We advocate for a stable and independent future for the region and favor a peaceful resolution to all disputes,” she affirmed. “As previously addressed in UN Security Council meetings, we reinforce our unwavering support for Venezuela’s leadership in upholding their sovereignty.”
Furthermore, Zakharova accused the U.S. of endangering innocent fishermen, but local journalists in Venezuela have pushed back against that narrative. They revealed that it was actually Maduro’s regime that was harassing fishermen, alleging that it intended to plant drugs in their homes to showcase its efforts against illegal activities to the U.S.
One fisherman, speaking anonymously, expressed the confusion among the community. “We sense a threat, yet we feel overlooked. The police and military are mobilizing in our community, trying to involve us in their issues,” he explained.
Another local, wary of sharing her identity, lamented that uniformed officers were detaining vulnerable individuals, including fishermen, under dubious circumstances.
Meanwhile, President Trump disclosed at a recent conference that U.S. military operations against drug traffickers have been so effective that finding new targets has become a challenge.
“He’s pleased with the progress,” President Trump remarked about Hegseth. “No drug ships left to chase down. It’s remarkable how much they’ve managed to stop,” he concluded.
