Russia Stands Firm in Support of Venezuela Amid U.S. Maritime Aggression

On Monday, Russia expressed its «complete support» for Venezuela as the South American nation deals with a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers imposed by U.S. forces in the Caribbean, according to statements from both governments.

During a phone conversation, the foreign ministers of the allied nations condemned the actions of the U.S., which have included airstrikes on alleged drug trafficking boats and, more recently, the confiscation of two tankers.

A U.S. official informed AFP on Sunday that a third vessel was being pursued.

«The ministers voiced their serious concerns regarding the escalation of U.S. actions in the Caribbean Sea, warning that these developments could have severe repercussions for the region and pose threats to international maritime operations,» the Russian Foreign Ministry stated regarding the discussion between Sergei Lavrov and Yván Gil.

«The Russian side reiterated its comprehensive support and solidarity with the Venezuelan leadership and citizens under the current circumstances,» it added.

The two ministers agreed to enhance their bilateral collaboration and synchronize their efforts on the global stage, particularly at the United Nations, to uphold state sovereignty and prevent interference in domestic matters.

The UN Security Council is set to convene on Tuesday to address the escalating crisis between Venezuela and the United States, prompted by a request from Caracas, with support from China and Russia.

On Telegram, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Gil indicated that he and Lavrov had talked about «the acts of aggression and blatant violations of international law occurring in the Caribbean: assaults on vessels, extrajudicial killings, and unlawful acts of piracy conducted by the U.S. government.»

Since September, U.S. forces have targeted boats that Washington has claimed—without presenting evidence—were involved in drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

Families and governments report that over 100 individuals have been killed, including fishermen.

On December 16, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a blockade against «sanctioned oil vessels» traveling to and from Venezuela.

Trump has accused the Maduro-led government in Caracas of using oil revenues to fund «drug terrorism, human trafficking, murder, and kidnapping.»

Gil noted that Lavrov had reaffirmed Moscow’s «comprehensive support in the face of hostility directed against our nation.»