Russia, having received a request for military support from Venezuela amid a military crisis with the United States, has condemned the U.S. and expressed its support for Venezuela.
On the 1st local time, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized the U.S. military’s “excessive use of force during drug enforcement operations,” stating that “such operations violate both U.S. domestic law and international law.”
She further confirmed Russia’s unwavering support for the Venezuelan leadership in defending national sovereignty and emphasized the preservation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a region of peace.
This commentary is interpreted as a response to Venezuela’s recent request for military support from Russia.
According to a Washington Post report, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro recently sent a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin requesting air defense radar equipment, repairs for Russian-made Sukhoi fighter aircraft, and exploring missile support.
It is also reported that President Maduro has sought military support from China and Iran in addition to Russia.
The relationship between Russia and Venezuela is considered close.
It has rapidly developed since the establishment of the Hugo Chavez regime in Venezuela in 1999, and in 2019, when the U.S. attempted to oust President Maduro, Russia even dispatched about 100 soldiers.
In May, President Maduro visited Moscow to meet with President Putin, where they signed a strategic partnership and cooperation treaty.
However, some point out that Russia’s current willingness and capability to provide military support to Venezuela are not as high as in the past.
Due to the war in Ukraine, Russia lacks the resources to support Venezuela, and a scenario where tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela escalate is not necessarily disadvantageous for Russia, as it diverts U.S. attention away from the war in Ukraine.
Thus, there is an interpretation that instead of taking direct military action, Russia has chosen to condemn the U.S. and express support for Venezuela through commentary.
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