Russia Issues Stark Warning to Trump Amid Escalating Tensions with Venezuela

On Thursday, Russian officials cautioned the Trump administration against what they termed a “grave error” as tensions rise between the United States and Venezuela, emphasizing that Moscow is maintaining close communication with Caracas authorities.

This week, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a “total blockade” on oil tankers subject to sanctions moving to and from the South American nation, marking a significant intensification of his apparent efforts to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who is a staunch ally of Russia.

The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed hope that Trump would “not make a grave error and will avoid further escalation that might result in unpredictable consequences for the whole Western Hemisphere.” They called for a reduction in tensions and reaffirmed their support for Maduro’s administration.

The Kremlin echoed these sentiments, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov informing journalists during a daily briefing that Moscow is in “constant communication” with its “ally and friend” Venezuela.

“We encourage all nations in the region to exercise caution in order to prevent any unforeseen developments in this situation,” Peskov remarked, noting that President Vladimir Putin had recently spoken with Maduro via phone.

Trump’s objectives regarding Venezuela remain ambiguous. While he has characterized a substantial U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean as aimed at combating drug trafficking networks allegedly operating with Maduro’s support, he has also alluded to aspirations for regime change.

In past instances of tension between Washington and Caracas, Russia discreetly enhanced Venezuela’s military capabilities, including sending around 100 technical advisors to assist in maintaining military equipment.

It is unclear what kind of support, if any, Moscow would provide its key partner in the region should the situation deteriorate further, especially in the event of more extensive U.S. military actions against the Maduro regime.

On Wednesday, Venezuela requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council in light of threats from Washington.