In a significant show of solidarity, Russia has pledged its "full support" to Venezuela as the South American nation faces a mounting naval confrontation with the United States in the Caribbean Sea. The declaration comes just ahead of a critical United Nations Security Council meeting called to address the crisis.
Diplomatic Backing Amid Naval Tensions
The assurance was delivered during a phone call on Monday, December 22, 2025, between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Venezuelan counterpart, Yvan Gil. The ministers sharply criticized recent U.S. military actions, which have included strikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels and, more recently, the seizure of two Venezuelan oil tankers. A U.S. official confirmed to AFP that a third ship was being pursued as of Sunday.
The Russian foreign ministry stated that both officials expressed "deep concern over the escalation of Washington’s actions in the Caribbean Sea," warning that these moves "could have serious consequences for the region and threaten international shipping." Moscow explicitly reaffirmed its "full support for and solidarity with the Venezuelan leadership and people."
Roots of the Escalating Crisis
The current standoff stems from a series of aggressive measures taken by U.S. forces since September. Washington has conducted strikes on boats it alleges are involved in drug trafficking in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, though it has not publicly provided evidence. These operations have resulted in more than 100 fatalities, including fishermen according to reports from their families and regional governments.
The situation intensified on December 16, when U.S. President Donald Trump announced a blockade targeting "sanctioned oil vessels" traveling to and from Venezuela. Trump has accused the government of President Nicolas Maduro of using oil revenue to finance "drug terrorism, human trafficking, murder and kidnapping." In remarks that have heightened tensions, Trump also claimed Venezuela had taken "all of our oil"—a reference to the historic nationalization of the country's petroleum sector—and stated, "we want it back."
International Repercussions and UN Showdown
Caracas has denounced Washington's actions as "international piracy" and fears they are a precursor to a campaign for regime change. In response, Venezuela, with the backing of allies Russia and China, successfully called for a UN Security Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 23, to discuss what it terms "the ongoing U.S. aggression."
Following their call, Lavrov and Gil agreed to coordinate their diplomatic efforts internationally, particularly at the UN, to "ensure respect for state sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs." On Telegram, Gil detailed that the discussion covered "the aggressions and flagrant violations of international law being perpetrated in the Caribbean: attacks on vessels, extrajudicial executions, and illicit acts of piracy carried out by the United States government."
This confrontation unfolds as Russia itself remains deeply involved in the war in Ukraine, highlighting the complex geopolitical dimensions of the crisis. The upcoming UN meeting is poised to become a focal point for this escalating dispute between Caracas and Washington, with major powers now firmly choosing sides.
