WILLEMSTAD – Venezuela has received what Russia describes as “full support” in its escalating confrontation with the United States, following a telephone conversation between the two countries’ foreign ministers.
According to statements released after the call, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Venezuelan counterpart discussed recent U.S. military actions in waters near Venezuela, including airstrikes on vessels accused of drug trafficking and the seizure of two oil tankers.
The Venezuelan government has condemned the operations, stating that at least 100 people were killed during U.S. attacks on boats allegedly linked to drug smuggling. Caracas argues that those killed were targeted without judicial process and frames the actions as violations of international law and national sovereignty.
Coordination at the United Nations
Lavrov said Russia and Venezuela agreed to strengthen coordination, particularly within the United Nations, to ensure respect for state sovereignty and non-interference in domestic affairs. Moscow has repeatedly criticized U.S. military operations in the region, describing them as unilateral and destabilizing.
The developments come as Venezuela has formally requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to address the rising tensions with Washington. The meeting is expected to take place on Tuesday, with Venezuela seeking international scrutiny of U.S. military actions in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
Regional Implications
The dispute unfolds against a backdrop of heightened U.S. military activity in the Caribbean basin and nearby maritime routes, officially justified by Washington as part of its campaign against international drug trafficking. Caracas, backed by Moscow, maintains that the operations amount to pressure tactics aimed at weakening the Venezuelan government.
With Russia publicly aligning itself with Venezuela, the standoff adds a new geopolitical layer to an already volatile situation, raising concerns among regional observers about further escalation and its potential impact on security and stability in the wider Caribbean region.