Overview
- Moscow denounced the U.S. operation as armed aggression, demanded Nicolás Maduro’s release, and pressed for a United Nations Security Council session.
- Russia has limited its response to diplomatic and media messaging with no reported troop deployments or economic retaliation.
- Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke with Venezuela’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, to reaffirm support and urge de-escalation through dialogue.
- Experts say Russia’s restraint reflects military obligations in Ukraine and a pragmatic approach to relations with the Trump administration.
- Russian state outlets amplified legal and sovereignty critiques, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres criticized the U.S. action as the case proceeds in New York against Maduro and Cilia Flores.