Russia demands US release Maduro: Dangerous escalation in Caracas
In a significant development in the geopolitical landscape of Latin America, the Russian Federation has formally and urgently urged the United States to release Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following reports of their arrest by US forces in Caracas on Saturday. This Russian stance reflects the depth of the strategic alliance between Moscow and Caracas and signals a potential new diplomatic escalation between the two superpowers.
Details of the Russian position and diplomatic contact
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated in an official statement that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held an emergency telephone conversation with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez. During the call, Lavrov reiterated Moscow's unwavering and full support for the Venezuelan government, emphasizing that Russia considers Caracas its main ally and primary strategic partner in South America. The statement stressed the need to respect the national sovereignty of states and to refrain from interfering in their internal affairs through direct military intervention.
In a strongly worded statement, the Foreign Ministry said: “In light of confirmed information regarding the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in the United States, we strongly urge the US leadership to immediately reconsider its position and release the legitimately elected president of a sovereign state and his wife.” Moscow asserted that “the pretexts put forward to justify these actions are legally and politically indefensible,” expressing regret that what it termed “ideological hostility” had prevailed over political wisdom and pragmatism in Washington.
Background to US-Venezuelan tensions
This event cannot be separated from a long history of tension between Washington and Caracas. For years, the United States has imposed harsh economic sanctions on Venezuela, targeting its vital oil sector and central bank, in an attempt to pressure the Maduro government. Washington accuses the Venezuelan president of human rights abuses and undermining democracy, and the US Department of Justice has even indicted him on terrorism and drug-related charges, offering a substantial reward for information leading to his arrest. This long history of hostility makes the recent US military operation the culmination of a confrontational trajectory that has lasted for more than a decade.
The strategic importance of Russian-Venezuelan relations
The Russian call for his arrest derives its significance from the close ties between Moscow and the Maduro regime. Venezuela is not merely a trading partner for Russia; it is a strategic foothold for Moscow in the United States' backyard. Over the years, Russia has provided substantial military and economic support to Venezuela, including billions of dollars in loans and advanced military equipment, which has helped Maduro withstand Western pressure and crippling economic sanctions. Consequently, Moscow views Maduro's arrest not only as an attack on a sovereign state but also as a direct blow to its geopolitical interests in the Western Hemisphere.
Expected international repercussions
This event is expected to cast a dark shadow over already strained international relations. The arrest of a sitting head of state could set a dangerous precedent in international relations, potentially provoking other countries that reject American hegemony and fear a repeat of the scenario. This escalation could also directly impact global energy markets, given that Venezuela possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves, and any prolonged security or political instability there could lead to fluctuations in oil prices, adding a further burden to the global economy.
