According to a Kremlin statement, the Russian President held a phone conversation with Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on Thursday, offering reassurance of Moscow’s continued support amid mounting external pressure on the Venezuelan government.
Reuters reported that during the call, Putin voiced support for Maduro’s administration “in the face of growing external pressure,” as the United States under President maintains its campaign to oust Maduro from power. Washington has ramped up military operations in the Caribbean as part of this pressure strategy.
The Kremlin stated that the two leaders discussed their mutual interest in promoting a strategic partnership agreement and advancing joint initiatives in economic and energy fields. as a key partner in Latin America, particularly as both governments confront isolation and international sanctions.
The conversation occurred one day following the U.S. seizure of a large Venezuelan oil tanker, which was under American sanctions, off Venezuela’s coast, further intensifying the already strained relations between Caracas and Washington.
According to, the Venezuelan government denounced the seizure as an infringement on its sovereignty and accused Washington of hostile action against its economic interests. The Trump administration has stepped up enforcement actions against Venezuela’s oil sector, which continues to be the mainstay of Maduro’s government despite prolonged deterioration.
The U.S. Attorney General confirmed that federal agencies such as the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Coast Guard executed the tanker operation and disclosed unclassified video of the seizure. The action was taken pursuant to a federal warrant related to sanctions violations.
President , characterizing the vessel as the largest tanker ever confiscated by the United States. Reuters noted that the operation led to increased oil prices and placed additional pressure on U.S.-Venezuela relations.
Russia and Venezuela have sustained a close relationship for over two decades, a partnership that strengthened during Hugo Chávez’s presidency and persisted under Nicolás Maduro. Reuters reports that bilateral cooperation has concentrated on defense, energy production, and financial support.
In recent years, Moscow has provided military equipment to Caracas, backed Venezuela’s state-owned oil company through joint ventures, and offered loans and credit facilities that have helped sustain portions of the country’s oil industry. Venezuela has received billions of dollars in Russian loans and financing deals linked to its crude oil exports.
Even with international sanctions imposed on both governments, Russia has consistently regarded Venezuela as a strategic partner. U.S. Congressional Research Service reports characterize the relationship as resilient and largely immune to short-term political changes or external pressure. Moscow has persisted in providing diplomatic support and economic collaboration even as Venezuela’s internal crisis has deepened and U.S. pressure efforts have escalated.
Ashley Carnahan of Digital, the Associated Press, and Reuters contributed to this report.