Venezuela’s Maduro Thanks Russia for Support Amid U.S. Actions

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Ivan Gil, representing President Nicolás Maduro, expressed gratitude towards Russia for its significant backing in light of what he termed the “unlawful” activities of the United States in the Caribbean region. This message was shared through an official email released on a Thursday.

The communication included a clip from a recent press conference featuring Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova. During this event, she discussed a UN Security Council meeting where Venezuela was asked to respond regarding the blockade on sanctioned oil tankers associated with the country. Zakharova also referenced the threat posed by former President Donald Trump and the continual danger of U.S. military operations against drug-trafficking vessels in Caribbean and Eastern Pacific waters as part of Operation Southern Spear.

Zakharova noted that many nations condemn the unilateral restrictions imposed, stating they seriously breach international law principles like the sovereign equality of states and freedom of navigation. She firmly called out these actions, emphasizing Russia’s commitment to stability and legal order across maritime activities.

At the press conference, she reiterated the necessity for Latin America to remain a “zone of peace,” highlighting a declaration from CELAC, a regional group initiated by the late Hugo Chávez in 2011, which excludes the U.S. and Canada. This declaration has been used by the Maduro regime and its allies to argue against any measures, even from CELAC itself, that could challenge an unfair regime. As a political entity rather than a legally binding organization, CELAC’s statements serve more as political pacts than enforceable decisions.

Zakharova also underscored support for Maduro’s government, pointing out its efforts to safeguard national sovereignty while fostering the stable development of Venezuela.

In a separate note, Gil had previously shared a translated letter from Vladimir Putin, sent on December 17, wishing Maduro well for the holidays and predicting a successful future for the Russia-Venezuela relationship. He expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people amid unprecedented external pressures and reiterated the intent to continue bilateral collaboration.

Zakharova had, on behalf of Putin, confirmed Russia’s backing for Maduro’s government, indicating readiness to respond to evolving threats, amidst escalating tensions involving the U.S. and the Venezuelan regime. Recent statements from both China and Russia have reinforced their support, with Russia’s foreign ministry urging that any attempt to undermine Maduro could lead to significant consequences.