Putin and Lula Address Venezuela’s Sovereignty Amid US Actions

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva engaged in a phone call to discuss the escalating situation in Venezuela, as reported by the Kremlin. Their conversation took place against the backdrop of significant tensions following the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, by U.S. forces earlier this month.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the two leaders affirmed their commitment to protecting Venezuela’s sovereignty and acknowledged shared views on safeguarding the nation’s national interests amidst perceived U.S. aggression. Putin and Lula agreed to coordinate their actions, particularly within the framework of the United Nations and the economic group BRICS, to mitigate tensions in Latin America.

The discussion also encompassed strengthening bilateral relations ahead of the upcoming Russian-Brazilian High-Level Commission on Cooperation, slated for February 2024. This meeting aims to further cooperation between the two nations, which are both founding members of BRICS.

The crisis in Venezuela intensified on January 3, 2024, when American commandos executed a series of airstrikes in the capital, Caracas, and other regions, resulting in the capture of Maduro and Flores. Following their abduction, the couple was taken to a U.S. warship and later flown to New York, where they appeared in court facing drug-trafficking conspiracy charges, both pleading not guilty.

In response to the raids, Lula expressed his strong disapproval on social media platform X, stating that the U.S. military operation had crossed an “unacceptable line.” He emphasized that such actions threaten to set a perilous precedent for the international community and reflect a troubling return to previous instances of foreign interference in Latin American politics. Lula described the event as a serious threat to regional peace.

The Kremlin echoed Lula’s sentiments, reiterating its support for Venezuela in the face of what they termed “blatant neo-colonial threats and external armed aggression.” A call was made for the immediate release of Maduro from U.S. custody.

Russian Ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, addressed the UN Security Council early in January, condemning the U.S. actions as “international banditry” aimed at gaining “unlimited control over natural resources.” Furthermore, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov characterized the U.S. attack as a “flagrant violation of international law,” underscoring the seriousness with which Russia views the situation in Venezuela.

As international responses continue to unfold, the implications of U.S. involvement in Venezuela remain a focal point for both Russia and Brazil, who are advocating for diplomatic solutions and the protection of sovereignty in the region.