On Thursday, the Russian government issued a stern warning to the Trump Administration regarding the escalating situation in Venezuela, emphasizing that a "deliberate increase in tensions" could lead to unforeseen consequences throughout the Western Hemisphere.
In an official statement released on December 18 by Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Moscow expressed its "serious concern" over the unilateral nature of decisions which, it asserted, pose a threat to international navigation.
"We hope the Trump Administration, known for its rational and pragmatic approach, will avoid making a fatal mistake and refrain from descending into a situation that threatens unpredictable outcomes for the entire Western Hemisphere," the Russian foreign ministry stated. It urged Washington to steer clear of what it termed "ideological stubbornness," arguing that such a stance limits the understanding of the situation surrounding Venezuela.
In this context, Moscow referenced Simón Bolívar to emphasize the principle of sovereignty: "Every nation has the right to choose its own leaders, and other countries must respect that choice," it noted.
Russia declared its commitment to normalizing dialogue between the United States and Venezuela, advocating for steps toward de-escalation and the pursuit of "constructive" solutions while respecting international law standards.
Moscow further reiterated its support for the idea that Latin America and the Caribbean should remain a zone of peace, a condition it claims ensures the stable and independent development of the region's countries.
The message from the Russian foreign ministry also reaffirmed its "solidarity with the Venezuelan people" and its backing of Nicolás Maduro's government, which it described as being focused on defending the nation's interests and sovereignty.
This declaration follows the destruction of at least four vessels by the U.S. near Venezuelan waters within the last 48 hours, resulting in four fatalities. Washington claims the boats are linked to drug trafficking, while Venezuela accuses the U.S. of using these actions as pressure tactics.
Understanding Russia's Stance on Venezuela
What is Russia's main concern regarding U.S. actions in Venezuela?
Russia is mainly worried about the unilateral decisions by the U.S. that threaten international navigation and could lead to unpredictable consequences in the Western Hemisphere.
How does Russia view the principle of sovereignty?
Russia emphasizes that each nation has the right to choose its leaders, and this choice should be respected by other countries, citing Simón Bolívar's views on sovereignty.
What is Russia's position on the U.S.-Venezuela dialogue?
Russia supports the normalization of dialogue between the U.S. and Venezuela, advocating for de-escalation and solutions that respect international law.