Russia Trashes Trump After Secret Operation
Russia has sharply criticized a recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, calling the action a serious violation of international norms.
In response, Moscow requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, signaling growing concern over the potential for broader diplomatic fallout.
According to a statement released by Russia’s Foreign Ministry, officials described the operation as an act of armed aggression and said it raised significant international concerns.
“Earlier today, the United States carried out an armed action against Venezuela, which causes serious alarm and warrants condemnation,” the ministry said.
Russian officials argued that the rationale offered for the operation lacked legal grounding and reflected ideological decision-making rather than practical diplomacy. The comments come as Russia continues to face international scrutiny over its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Moscow, which has long maintained close ties with the Venezuelan government, urged all sides to avoid further escalation and pursue diplomatic engagement.
“It is critically important to prevent additional destabilization and to seek a resolution through dialogue,” the statement said. Russian officials added that they were prepared to support efforts aimed at reducing tensions.
The ministry also emphasized its longstanding position that Latin America should remain free from foreign military intervention.
“Latin America declared itself a zone of peace in 2014. Venezuela must retain the ability to determine its future without external interference, particularly of a military nature,” the statement continued. Russia reaffirmed its support for Venezuela’s current leadership and what it described as the country’s national sovereignty.
Russian authorities also confirmed that their embassy in Caracas remains operational and said there were no reports of Russian nationals being injured during the incident.
In the United States, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Maduro has been charged under U.S. law with multiple offenses, including alleged drug trafficking conspiracies and weapons-related violations.
In a public statement, Bondi said the accused would be subject to the American judicial process in U.S. courts.
Maduro has served as Venezuela’s president since 2013. According to Venezuela’s communications ministry, he had signed an emergency declaration prior to his detention, calling on political and social groups to mobilize in opposition to the U.S. action.
The operation occurred shortly after Maduro indicated he was open to discussions with U.S. officials regarding drug enforcement cooperation and oil-related matters. Reports indicate he previously held a phone call with Donald Trump in November.
Observers say the incident is likely to further strain relations between Washington and Moscow, particularly as both sides have recently engaged in discussions related to ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
That war dates back more than a decade, beginning with Russia’s move into Crimea and escalating into a large-scale military campaign in early 2022.
Earlier this week, President Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at his Mar-a-Lago residence to review a proposed peace framework. Trump also spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who continues to play a central role in negotiations surrounding the conflict.
As international reactions continue to unfold, the detention of Maduro represents a major development in U.S. policy toward Venezuela and could have lasting implications for global diplomatic relations.
