Russian officials cautioned the Trump administration on Thursday against what they termed a “critical error” as tensions between the United States and Venezuela intensify, emphasizing that Moscow is maintaining close communication with leaders in Caracas.
This week, U.S. President Donald Trump initiated what he called a “complete blockade” against sanctioned oil tankers entering and exiting the South American nation, marking a significant escalation in his campaign to unseat Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a staunch ally of Russia.
The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed hope that Trump would “avoid committing a critical error and abstain from slipping further into a scenario that could provoke unpredictable repercussions for the entire Western Hemisphere.” They called for a reduction in hostility and reaffirmed their support for Maduro’s administration.
The Kremlin echoed these sentiments, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov informing reporters during a daily briefing that Moscow is in “ongoing contact” with its “ally and partner” Venezuela.
“We urge all nations in the region to exercise restraint to prevent any unpredictable developments in this situation,” Mr. Peskov stated, indicating that President Vladimir Putin had recently held a phone conversation with Maduro.
Trump’s objectives regarding Venezuela remain ambiguous. Although he has labeled a significant U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean as an effort to combat drug trafficking networks he claims operate with Maduro’s involvement, he has also suggested an interest in regime change.
During previous episodes of tension between Washington and Caracas, Russia discreetly fortified Venezuela’s defenses, including sending approximately 100 technical advisers to assist with military equipment maintenance.
It is unclear what support, if any, Moscow would provide its important ally in the region if the standoff escalates further, particularly in the context of broader U.S. military actions against the Maduro government.
On Wednesday, Venezuela requested the UN Security Council to convene an emergency meeting in response to threats from the U.S.
