Russia Voices Support for Venezuela’s New Interim Leader Amid U.S. Intervention

Russia has expressed its backing for Delcy Rodríguez, the interim leader of Venezuela, following a surprising military operation by the United States that resulted in the capture of leader Nicolás Maduro in Caracas.

Rodríguez, who previously served as Vice President, was inaugurated as acting president after U.S. commandos detained Maduro and his spouse, transporting them to New York, where Maduro subsequently pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and various other charges in court.

The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Rodríguez’s inauguration reflects the Bolivarian government’s resolve to maintain cohesion, uphold the constitutional order, and mitigate the risk of a constitutional crisis.

Moreover, her assumption of power is expected to foster Venezuela’s “peaceful and stable development” amid what Russia has termed “blatant neocolonial threats and external armed aggression,” according to the ministry.

The ministry reiterated Moscow’s appeal for a reduction in tensions and the resolution of conflicts through constructive dialogue and adherence to international law, with particular emphasis on the UN Charter.

“Latin America and the Caribbean must remain a zone of peace,” the official statement from the ministry asserted.

Russia also indicated its readiness to continue offering what it described as essential support to its “friend” Venezuela.

President Donald Trump declared that the U.S. was “in charge” in Venezuela, adding that Rodríguez would retain her position only as long as she complied with U.S. demands, suggesting a potential second intervention if the leadership in Caracas fails to cooperate.

In response to an initially negative reception, Rodríguez stated her willingness to engage in “cooperation.”

Moscow has called for the release of Maduro and his wife but has not taken significant steps to support its South American ally otherwise.

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has criticized Rodríguez, claiming she was “rejected” by the Venezuelan populace and labeling her as “one of the main architects of torture, persecution, corruption, and drug trafficking.”

The crisis following a quarter-century of leftist governance has plunged Venezuela’s approximately 30 million citizens, along with the country’s vast proven oil reserves, into uncertainty.

Reporting by AFP contributed to this article.