Russia Condemns U.S. Military Operation in Venezuela and Demands Release of President Maduro
MOSCOW, Jan. 4, 2026 – Russia has issued a forceful condemnation of a major U.S. military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of the country’s sitting president, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife. The Russian Foreign Ministry denounced the action as an “act of armed aggression” and is demanding their immediate release.
In a statement released Saturday, the ministry expressed extreme alarm over reports that Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores, were “forcibly taken out of the country” during the U.S. assault. “Such actions, if they actually occurred, constitute an unacceptable infringement on the sovereignty of an independent state,” the statement declared.
🚨 The Russian Foreign Ministry’s Stance
The Russian response was multi-faceted, involving direct diplomacy and strong public statements:
· Call for Release and Dialogue: A separate statement from the ministry “strongly urges the U.S. leadership to release” the Maduros and called for creating conditions to resolve issues through dialogue.
· Diplomatic Solidarity: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke by phone with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, expressing solidarity with the Venezuelan people and support for the government’s course to protect national sovereignty.
· Condemnation of U.S. Motives: The ministry accused the United States of letting “ideologized animosity” prevail over “pragmatic engagement,” calling the justifications for the attack “untenable”.
· Appeal to UN: Russia supports calls from Venezuela and other Latin American nations for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council to address the crisis.
⚔️ Operation “Absolute Resolve”: The U.S. Assault
The Russian statements followed a dramatic and unprecedented military intervention by the United States, codenamed “Operation Absolute Resolve.” Here are the key details of the operation:
· Scale and Execution: Early on January 3, the U.S. launched airstrikes across northern Venezuela, involving more than 150 aircraft targeting military and other sites around the capital, Caracas. Ground operations by elite units, including Delta Force, led to the capture of President Maduro and the First Lady from their residence.
· U.S. Justification: U.S. President Donald Trump announced the operation, stating Maduro was running a “narco-state.” U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro faces federal charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation.
· Casualties and Aftermath: Venezuelan officials reported at least 40 people were killed, including military personnel and civilians. Following the capture, Trump stated the U.S. would “run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition”.
🌍 A World Divided: International Reactions
The international community has reacted with stark division, largely splitting along geopolitical lines:
Condemnation (Emphasizing Sovereignty & International Law)
· China: “Deeply shocked” and strongly condemns the “blatant use of force,” calling it a violation of international law and Venezuela’s sovereignty.
· Latin American Nations: Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Bolivia, and Cuba issued strong condemnations, labeling the action a violation of the UN Charter and a dangerous precedent.
· Others: Iran and South Africa also condemned the strikes and called for UN Security Council action.
Cautious or Supportive Stances
· United Kingdom: Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK was not involved and emphasized the need to “uphold international law,” while calling Maduro an “illegitimate president”.
· European Union: Called for restraint and stated that “the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected”.
· Explicit Support: Leaders from Israel and Argentina praised the U.S. action. Argentine President Javier Milei called it “excellent news for the free world”.
🔮 Analysis: A Dangerous Precedent and Regional Fallout
The operation marks the first time since the 1989 invasion of Panama that the U.S. has captured a sitting head of state on their own soil. Analysts and world leaders are grappling with the implications:
· UN Secretary-General António Guterres was “deeply alarmed,” calling the developments a “dangerous precedent”.
· Chinese experts suggested the underlying U.S. motive was to regain control over Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, the largest in the world, calling the action a “declaration of the revival of a new Monroe Doctrine”.
· Regional instability is a major concern. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva warned this sets a precedent “where the law of the strongest prevails,” leading toward “violence, chaos, and instability”.
With Maduro reportedly now on U.S. soil at a military base in New York and awaiting a court appearance, the diplomatic crisis is escalating. Russia’s firm alignment with Caracas and its demand for a reversal of the U.S. action sets the stage for a major confrontation at the upcoming United Nations Security Council meeting.
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