Russia on Friday strongly criticised a US military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, calling the strike an act of armed aggression and urging an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
In a statement issued by its foreign ministry, Russia said the attack violated international norms and risked further destabilising Latin America. The remarks were reported by The Hill.
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“This morning, the United States carried out an act of armed aggression against Venezuela. This causes deep concern and condemnation,” the Russian foreign ministry said, rejecting Washington’s justification for the operation.
Moscow described the US action as driven by ideology rather than diplomacy and said it undermined predictable international relations. Russia has been one of Maduro’s closest allies during his time in power.
Russia urges restraint, warns against escalation
As per The Hill report, the Russian government called on all parties to avoid further escalation and return to dialogue-based solutions. “Latin America must remain a zone of peace,” the statement said, adding that Venezuela should be allowed to determine its future without military interference from outside powers.
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Russia also said its embassy in Caracas was operating normally and that there were no reports of Russian citizens being injured during the operation. Maduro, who has led Venezuela since 2013, was taken into custody following the US action. The Venezuelan communications ministry said he signed an emergency declaration calling on political and social groups to mobilise and condemn the attack.
US Attorney General Pamela Bondi said Maduro faces charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and weapons-related offences. In a post on X, she said he would face trial in US courts.
The development comes days after Maduro publicly indicated openness to talks with Washington on drug trafficking and oil. He had spoken with US President Donald Trump in November.
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The incident is expected to add strain to US-Russia relations at a time when both sides are engaged in discussions aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Trump recently met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and also held a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of broader diplomatic efforts.
The Hill reported that Russia reiterated its support for Venezuela’s “Bolivarian leadership” and said it stood in solidarity with the Venezuelan people.
