Venezuela Crisis: Why Russia Remains Silent on Maduro

Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro is on trial in New York for drug trafficking after being brought to the United States by force in January, a move Russia did not intervene to prevent despite previous displays of support for the Venezuelan leader. The incident highlights a shift in Russia’s foreign policy priorities amid its ongoing war in Ukraine and a warming relationship with the U.S.

Russian Air Defenses Failed to Protect Maduro

Maduro, who described Russia as “a key power of humanity” during a visit to Moscow on Victory Day in May 2025 and signed a cooperation agreement with Vladimir Putin, was escorted to court in New York in January. Three days after Maduro’s removal from power, Putin remained silent, with the Russian Foreign Ministry only expressing concern and calling for his release and negotiations between the U.S. and Venezuela.

Maduro had been one of the few heads of state to support Russia in February 2022 when Moscow recognized the separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk prior to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In December 2018, Russia sent two Tu-160 strategic bombers to Venezuela for exercises, seen by experts as a show of support.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth pointed out that Russian air defenses were unable to protect Maduro during the operation. The same airport in Caracas used by the U.S. to transport Maduro in handcuffs was also the landing site for the Russian bombers in 2018.

Why is Putin Keeping Quiet About Trump?

Experts suggest Russia’s support for Venezuela was largely symbolic. Neil Melvin, of the Royal United Services Institute, stated Russia is not in a position to challenge U.S. forces in the region. Felix Riefer, a German political scientist, noted Russia responded with “relative restraint” to “American hints toward Venezuela” following Donald Trump’s return to the White House and a subsequent rapprochement between Moscow and Washington.

Both experts attribute Putin’s silence to Russia’s war against Ukraine and the U.S.’s evolving role from Kyiv’s partner to a potential mediator. Moscow is keen to avoid criticizing Washington, according to Melvin, and would likely adopt “significantly harsher” rhetoric were it not for the conflict in Ukraine.

Cautious Optimism in Ukraine

Kyiv is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated, “If dictators can be treated this way, then the United States knows what to do next.” The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry reiterated its non-recognition of Maduro as president.

Political scientist Petro Oleshchuk of Kyiv National University believes normalizing relations between the U.S. and Venezuela could lead to increased oil production, impacting the global economy and oil prices. Lower oil prices would benefit Ukraine and potentially strengthen its negotiating position, reducing Russia’s financial resources.

Experts dismiss concerns that the U.S. intervention undermines its role as a democratic negotiating partner, arguing it aligns with the U.S. doctrine of the Western Hemisphere as a sphere of interest. They also emphasize the distinction between the situation in Venezuela and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, noting the U.S. is not annexing territory or questioning Venezuela’s sovereignty.

Experts Cast Doubt on the Stability of Russia’s Position

Riefer believes Russia could attempt to use the Venezuela case to justify its actions in Ukraine, but argues a direct comparison is flawed. He contends Moscow’s international reputation has been weakened, stating, “Those who rely on Russia cannot hope to be protected.”

Melvin emphasized Russia has lost several allies, including Armenia, Syria, and now Venezuela, indicating a noticeable weakening of its international standing as it escalates its war in Ukraine and lacks the resources to maintain these relationships. While protests from Russia may be louder in the case of Cuba, its most important Latin American partner, Moscow’s options remain “very limited.”

This article was originally written in German.