Russia Supports Venezuelas Interim President After U.S. Military Action Against Maduro

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

After Maduro and his spouse were apprehended by U.S. forces and taken to New York, where Maduro subsequently entered a not guilty plea regarding drug trafficking and other charges, Rodríguez was inaugurated as the acting president.

The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Rodríguez’s inauguration reflects the Bolivarian government’s commitment to uphold unity, maintain the constitutional order, and avert a potential constitutional crisis.

According to the ministry, her swearing-in would also foster “peaceful and stable development” in Venezuela, amid what Russia termed “overt neocolonial threats and external military aggression.”

The ministry once again urged for de-escalation and emphasized resolving conflicts through constructive dialogue and adherence to international law, particularly the principles laid out in the UN Charter.

The statement from the ministry insisted that “Latin America and the Caribbean must stay a peaceful region.”

Additionally, Russia announced its readiness to continue offering much-needed support to its ally, Venezuela.

While Moscow has called for the release of Maduro and his wife, it has not taken further action to assist its South American partner following the U.S. operation.

President Donald Trump has asserted that the U.S. is “in control” of the situation in Venezuela, indicating that Rodríguez’s position would last only if she follows U.S. directives, warning of potential further action if Caracas’s leadership fails to comply.

Rodríguez has indicated a willingness to work with Washington, which seeks access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, but she has also aimed to maintain solidarity with the hardliners from Maduro’s regime, who dominate the security forces and influential paramilitary groups.

Maria Corina Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize-winning opposition figure, criticized Rodríguez, claiming she is “rejected” by the Venezuelan populace and labeling her as “one of the main architects of torture, persecution, corruption, and drug trafficking.”

After a quarter-century of leftist governance, the present crisis has left approximately 30 million Venezuelans—and the country’s abundant oil reserves—facing an uncertain future.

This report was supplemented by contributions from AFP.