Russia has expressed its backing for Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, following a startling military operation by the United States that resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro in the capital, Caracas.
Rodríguez, a former Vice President, was inaugurated as acting president after U.S. commandos detained Maduro and his spouse, flying them to New York, where Maduro subsequently pleaded not guilty to charges of drug trafficking and other offenses in a court appearance.
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Rodríguez’s inauguration reflects the Bolivarian government’s commitment to maintain unity, uphold the constitutionally established order, and mitigate the chances of a constitutional crisis.
The ministry also indicated that her inauguration would foster conditions for Venezuela’s “peaceful and stable development” amid what it described as “outrageous neocolonial threats and external military aggression.”
Moscow called for de-escalation and urged the settlement of conflicts through constructive dialogue and adherence to international law, particularly the principles outlined in the UN Charter.
The statement emphasized, “Latin America and the Caribbean should remain regions of peace.”
Additionally, Russia declared its willingness to continue offering necessary support to “our ally” Venezuela.
While Moscow has demanded the release of Maduro and his wife, it has refrained from taking further actions to support its South American partner following the U.S. operation.
President Donald Trump has asserted that the U.S. is “in control” in Venezuela, suggesting that Rodríguez will hold her office only as long as she complies with U.S. expectations and alluding to the possibility of a subsequent action if Caracas’ leadership does not cooperate.
Rodríguez has indicated her readiness to engage with Washington, which is keen on accessing Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. However, she has also aimed to demonstrate solidarity with the hardliners in Maduro’s administration, who oversee the security forces and influential paramilitary groups.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate and opposition leader María Corina Machado criticized Rodríguez, claiming she is “rejected” by the Venezuelan populace and labeling her “one of the primary architects of torture, persecution, corruption, and drug trafficking.”
The ongoing crisis, which follows a quarter-century of leftist governance, now places Venezuela’s approximately 30 million citizens—and the nation’s enormous proven oil reserves—in a state of uncertainty.
This report includes contributions from AFP.
