In a significant diplomatic intervention, Russia has called for restraint and dialogue between the United States and Venezuela, warning that the escalating standoff risks a dangerous flare-up. The statement from Moscow comes amid heightened tensions over oil, seized assets, and increased U.S. military pressure in the region.
Moscow's Call for Restraint and Diplomacy
On December 19, 2025, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova addressed the growing crisis from Moscow. She explicitly urged both Washington and Caracas to keep communication channels open. Zakharova framed diplomacy as the only rational path forward, stating that Russia expects U.S. President Donald Trump to adopt a "rational approach" to the situation.
Zakharova did not mince words in her criticism of American actions. She accused the United States of engaging in a "deliberate and continuous escalation" around Venezuela. A key point of contention highlighted was the deployment of U.S. military assets in the Caribbean Sea, which Moscow characterised as a potential threat to international navigation and regional stability.
Reaffirming Support for Maduro, Dismissing Opposition
The Russian spokeswoman also took a firm stance on Venezuela's internal politics, clearly reiterating Moscow's backing for President Nicolás Maduro. In a dismissive tone, she labelled prominent Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado as yet another Western-backed "project." This statement reinforces the geopolitical divide, with Russia and several other nations supporting Maduro's government, while the U.S. and others recognise the opposition.
The tensions are fuelled by several critical issues:
- Oil resources: Venezuela possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves.
- Seized assets: International disputes over Venezuelan state assets frozen abroad.
- Military pressure: Increased U.S. naval and aerial presence near Venezuela.
A Broader Context of Global Friction
Russia's vocal entry into the U.S.–Venezuela dispute is seen as part of the larger strategic competition between Moscow and Washington. By positioning itself as a voice for diplomacy and a staunch ally of Caracas, Russia aims to counter U.S. influence in Latin America. This move also diverts Western attention and resources, creating a more complex multi-front challenge for the U.S. and its allies.
The call for dialogue from Moscow sets the stage for potential behind-the-scenes diplomacy but also hardens the positions in a protracted standoff. The world now watches to see if the appeals for rationality will be heeded or if the dangerous escalation that Russia warns of will become a reality.
