Kremlin Warns of Risks as US–Venezuela Tensions Escalate

Dec 19, 2025 at 07:52 AM

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Lanka Leader

The Kremlin is closely monitoring rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela, warning that the situation could lead to “unexpected developments,” Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday (18).

Peskov’s remarks followed US President Donald Trump’s decision to intensify pressure on Caracas by expanding a partial naval blockade aimed at restricting Venezuelan crude oil exports, a move strongly opposed by the Venezuelan government.

Emphasizing that Russia views Venezuela as an important partner, Peskov called on all regional actors to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation. Earlier, Russia’s Foreign Ministry urged the Trump administration to adopt a “rational and pragmatic approach,” cautioning that any miscalculation could prove a “fatal mistake” and worsen the crisis.

China has voiced similar concerns. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Beijing opposes “all unilateral actions and bullying” and supports Venezuela’s sovereign right to pursue mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries.

Trump has ordered US naval forces to be deployed near Venezuela, claiming the country is “completely surrounded by the largest naval force ever deployed in South American history.” He has demanded that Caracas return “all the oil, land and other assets that they previously stole from us.”

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro accused Washington of attempting to impose a “puppet government” that would undermine Venezuela’s sovereignty and control its resources. He vowed to resist such efforts, describing US pressure tactics as “barbaric.”

In the United States, two resolutions aimed at limiting military action against Venezuela failed narrowly in Congress. A House resolution seeking to halt US attacks on vessels in the Caribbean designated as drug cartel or terrorist-linked ships was defeated by a vote of 210–216. Another measure that would have blocked new military operations “in or against Venezuela” without formal authorization was rejected 211–213.

Foreign analysts commenting on the developments said debates over Venezuelan independence and US policy toward Caracas remain deeply divided within American society.