Putin Strangely Silent on U.S. Capture of Maduro

Russia and Venezuela formalized a strategic partnership treaty in May 2025, ratified by President Putin in late October, emphasizing military, economic, and political cooperation amid U.S. pressures. Recent U.S. strikes on January 2-3, 2026, captured President Nicolás Maduro, prompting claims of Russian inaction despite the pact. The Kremlin’s response, via the Foreign Ministry, labels the U.S. action an “act of armed aggression” but stops short of military pledges.kremlin+4​

Treaty Background

The treaty, signed May 7, 2025, commits both nations to “resolutely oppose unilateral coercive measures” like sanctions and bolsters ties in defense, energy, and anti-terrorism. It followed years of Russian arms sales to Venezuela, including S-300 systems and Su-30 jets, totaling billions, alongside oil-for-loans deals sustaining Maduro’s regime. Ratification by Russia’s Duma and Putin in October-November 2025 occurred amid escalating U.S. threats, including Caribbean deployments.chinaglobalsouth+4​

Recent Escalation

U.S. forces struck Caracas early January 3, 2026, capturing Maduro for trial on drug and sanctions charges, as announced by President Trump. This followed tanker seizures and warnings, framed as countering “drug terrorism” funded by Venezuelan oil. Venezuela declared a state of emergency, reporting civilian casualties.english.aawsat+4​

Russia’s Response

Russia’s Foreign Ministry swiftly condemned the strikes as a “gross violation of international law,” demanding UN Security Council action and affirming solidarity with Venezuela. No Kremlin statement from Putin emerged by January 3 morning MST, and Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted a forthcoming response. Analysts note Moscow’s history of rhetorical support without direct intervention against U.S. forces.bbc+5​

Strategic Implications

The muted reaction underscores Russia’s overextension from Ukraine commitments, limiting global power projection. While pledging coordination at the UN, the absence of military mobilization highlights treaty limits to diplomacy. This exposes cracks in anti-U.S. alliances, boosting perceptions of Russian weakness.the-express+4

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