Russia Bolsters Venezuela with Political Support Amid Escalating US Pressure

Russian President Vladimir Putin called Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The call occurred on Wednesday. The Kremlin confirmed the conversation in an official statement. Putin offered strong support to Maduro’s government.

This show of solidarity comes during heightened tensions. The United States recently assisted opposition figure Maria Corina Machado’s escape from Venezuela. US forces also seized a Venezuelan oil tanker. According to the Kremlin, Putin affirmed support for Venezuela’s sovereignty against external pressure.

Machado’s Daring Escape with US Backing

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado fled Venezuela this week. She escaped in a dramatic operation with US support. A Wall Street Journal report details her journey.

Machado left a Caracas hideout wearing a disguise. She traveled for ten hours through military checkpoints. She then crossed the Caribbean Sea in a small fishing boat. She reached the island of Curacao safely. A US-contracted specialist met her there for extraction.

The US military was reportedly informed of her route. This was to prevent her boat from being targeted. Machado has since confirmed the US role in her escape. The operation highlights the intense covert struggle over Venezuela’s future.

US Actions and the Geopolitical Stakes

The political escape coincided with a military seizure. US troops boarded a Venezuelan oil tanker near the coast. They rappelled onto the deck from a helicopter. This action is part of a broader US pressure campaign.

Washington accuses Maduro of leading a drug trafficking organization. The US seeks a change in leadership. Venezuela possesses the world’s largest proven oil reserves. This resource is a central factor in the geopolitical conflict.

Russia’s timely call reinforces its strategic alliance with Caracas. It signals Moscow’s intent to counter US influence in the region. The support is both diplomatic and symbolic. It strengthens Maduro’s position against external demands for his removal.

The reaffirmed Russia Venezuela support creates a firmer standoff. It complicates international efforts to resolve the crisis. The situation remains a flashpoint for US-Russia relations in Latin America.

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Q1: Why did Russia call Venezuela’s president?

President Putin called to express solidarity. He confirmed Russia’s support for the Maduro government’s policies. This was a direct response to increasing external pressure from the United States.

Q2: How did the US help Maria Corina Machado escape?

US authorities were informed of her escape route for safety. A private contractor working with the US government met her in Curacao. The operation involved a dangerous sea crossing from Venezuela.

Q3: What was the US oil tanker seizure about?

US troops seized a Venezuelan-flagged oil tanker. Washington accuses the Maduro government of narcotics trafficking. The seizure is part of a maximum pressure campaign against the regime.

Q4: What is the significance of Russia’s support for Venezuela?

It provides Maduro with a powerful international ally. This complicates US-led efforts to isolate his government. The support is rooted in shared opposition to US foreign policy.

Q5: Why is Venezuela so strategically important?

Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves. This makes it an energy prize for global powers. Its geographic location in Latin America is also strategically valuable.