Venezuela hails Russia’s backing in face of US military and economic pressure

Venezuela has expressed gratitude to Russia for its support of President Nicolás Maduro’s efforts to defend the country’s sovereignty and the interests of the Venezuelan people amid escalating tensions with the United States.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil Pinto made a post published on Telegram in which, speaking on behalf of President Maduro, he thanked the Russian government for what he described as decisive backing in the face of external pressure.

“On behalf of President Nicolás Maduro, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the government of the Russian Federation for its valuable support of President Maduro’s efforts to defend the sovereignty and interests of the Venezuelan people in the face of threats and unlawful military actions by the US administration in the Caribbean basin,” the foreign minister wrote.

Russia’s position was reiterated on December 25, when President Vladimir Putin sent a Christmas telegram to Nicolás Maduro. In his message, Putin noted that Venezuela’s population is facing “unprecedented external pressure.” He emphasised that Moscow is ready to continue close cooperation with Caracas on both bilateral matters and the international agenda, and confirmed Russia’s solidarity with the Venezuelan people.

Earlier, on December 18, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described Venezuela as an ally and partner of Russia and warned that any escalation of tensions in the region could be potentially very dangerous. His remarks came amid a sharp deterioration in relations between Venezuela and the United States.

Tensions intensified further on December 17, when US President Donald Trump announced that he had ordered the blocking of all sanctioned tankers travelling to and from Venezuela. Trump also declared the Venezuelan authorities a “foreign terrorist organisation.” He claimed that Venezuela is surrounded by the largest military armada in the history of South America, said that its size would continue to increase, and stated that pressure on Caracas would persist until the US regains oil, land, and other assets he described as “stolen.” However, no specific measures were outlined regarding enforcement against those violating the blockade regime.

In response, the Venezuelan government firmly rejected Trump’s statements, stressing that the republic “will never again become a colony of any empire.”

By Tamilla Hasanova