Russia Condemns US Attack on Venezuela, Demands Release of President Maduro

Russia has strongly condemned the United States’ military operation in Venezuela and has called for the immediate release of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following reports that the Venezuelan leader was seized during an operation in and around Caracas.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the US action as a serious violation of international law and an act of armed aggression against a sovereign state. Moscow urged Washington to reverse course and free what it described as the legally elected president of Venezuela.

Russian officials called for dialogue between the United States and Venezuela’s left-leaning government, stressing solidarity with the Venezuelan people. While the ministry stopped short of offering immediate military or financial assistance, it made clear its firm political support for Caracas.

The foreign ministry said the justification offered for the operation was unacceptable, adding that ideological hostility had overridden pragmatic diplomacy. It warned that such actions risk destabilizing the region and undermining international norms governing state sovereignty.

Moscow also said reports of Maduro’s capture by US forces were deeply alarming. Russia was among a small group of countries that congratulated Maduro following his disputed re-election in 2024 and has long maintained close political, economic, and military ties with Venezuela.

Venezuela remains Russia’s closest partner in South America and is a significant purchaser of Russian military equipment. The Russian government on Saturday also dismissed as false reports suggesting that Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was in Russia, describing those claims as fake.

International reaction to the US operation continues to unfold, as global powers weigh the implications of the escalating crisis for regional stability and international relations.