Russia has issued a stern warning to the United States following the maritime blockade imposed by Donald Trump's administration against Venezuela. The Kremlin cautioned that Washington's unilateral actions could propel the Western Hemisphere toward an unpredictable armed conflict.
In a strong statement, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova criticized the U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean, likening it to acts of piracy and banditry. She urged a halt to the "destructive course" that threatens to further destabilize the region.
"We are compelled to note that the U.S. continues to deliberately escalate tensions around friendly Venezuela," Zakharova declared during a press conference.
The Russian official accused Washington of using pretexts such as counter-narcotics and anti-terrorism efforts to justify what she termed as "neocolonial ambitions."
Allegations of "Piracy" and Maritime Law Violations
Zakharova was unequivocal in her condemnation of the de facto blockade imposed by the U.S. on Venezuelan ports and coasts.
"Today we witness complete anarchy in the Caribbean Sea, where long-forgotten practices of stealing others' property, namely piracy and banditry, are being revived," she alleged.
She argued that the naval blockade and the interception of oil tankers violate "freedom of navigation" as established by Article 87 of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Zakharova described the U.S. restrictions as unilateral, illegal, and contrary to fundamental international law principles such as the sovereign equality of states and non-interference in internal affairs.
Moscow's Warning: Avoiding a "Destructive" Path
In one of the strongest warnings Russia has directed at Washington within the Latin American context in recent years, the Russian Foreign Ministry called explicitly on the Trump administration to prevent military escalation.
"It is crucial to avoid events taking a destructive path," Zakharova emphasized, expressing hope that "the pragmatism and common sense that define the U.S. President will allow for mutually acceptable solutions."
She also made it clear that Moscow does not dismiss regional consequences if the U.S. campaign intensifies, underlining that Latin America and the Caribbean "must remain zones of peace, as declared in 2014."
Russia Accuses U.S. of Seeking "External Control" Over Venezuelan Resources
During her remarks, Zakharova directly linked U.S. military actions to an attempt to dominate Venezuela's natural resources.
She stated that the maritime blockade aims to "establish external control over the sovereign resources" of the South American country, a move she claims updates the logic of the Monroe Doctrine with a so-called "Trump Amendment."
"Such methods cause severe harm to global energy security, fuel price volatility, increase uncertainty, and disrupt established resource supply chains," she warned.
Unwavering Support for Maduro's Government
Zakharova reaffirmed Russia's support for Nicolás Maduro and his administration.
"We reiterate our backing for the efforts of Nicolás Maduro's government to protect sovereignty and national interests and maintain stable and secure development of his country," she emphasized, echoing the message Russian President Vladimir Putin recently sent to the Venezuelan leader, expressing "unwavering solidarity against unprecedented external pressure."
Russia's stance aligns with other Venezuelan allies, including Cuba and Nicaragua, whose leaders have also pledged their "steadfast" support for the Chavista government amid what they regard as a "historic battle."
A Year of High Tensions in the Caribbean
Russia's warnings come after a 2025 characterized by a constant increase in U.S. pressure on Venezuela.
In January, Donald Trump authorized the use of force as part of a campaign against "narcoterrorism," and in August, a nuclear submarine was deployed in Caribbean waters.
In subsequent months, the situation worsened with attacks by the Southern Command on vessels linked to drug trafficking, although without conclusive evidence.
More than a hundred people have died in at least 30 naval attacks, some of which have been deemed extrajudicial executions by human rights organizations.
Tensions escalated with 'Southern Spear,' an operation in November and December that resulted in the interception of Venezuelan oil tankers, sparking international protests and an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting, where the majority of countries condemned the U.S.'s unilateral stance.
Despite the White House's ongoing insistence on its anti-narcotics crusade, members of the government, such as Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, have publicly acknowledged that the ultimate goal is Maduro's ousting.
In a recent interview, Wiles stated, "We will continue to target ships until Maduro admits defeat."
Key Questions on Russia's Warning to the U.S.
What prompted Russia's warning to the United States?
Russia's warning was prompted by the United States' maritime blockade against Venezuela, which Russia views as a potential trigger for conflict in the Western Hemisphere.
How does Russia view the U.S. actions in the Caribbean?
Russia views U.S. actions in the Caribbean as reminiscent of piracy and banditry, criticizing them as unilateral and illegal under international law.
What does Russia believe is the U.S. intention in Venezuela?
Russia believes that the U.S. intends to establish control over Venezuela's natural resources, viewing the maritime blockade as part of a neocolonial strategy.