Overview
- Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova labeled recent events in the Caribbean “legal chaos,” accusing Washington of reviving piracy, assaults and unlawful asset seizures.
- Venezuela’s foreign minister Yván Gil publicly thanked Russia for what he called unwavering support in defending the country’s sovereignty against U.S. threats and “bellicose” actions.
- President Donald Trump last week ordered a complete blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela as Washington escalated its pressure campaign.
- News reports say U.S. authorities have seized multiple tankers carrying Venezuelan crude in recent weeks, intensifying the maritime showdown.
- The United States frames its operations as counter-narcotics enforcement without publicly presented evidence, while Russia cites international law and notes UN Security Council debate over a de facto blockade and expanded U.S. military presence.