On January 4, 2026, the Russian Foreign Ministry and senior officials issued sharp condemnations following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces.
Official Russian Condemnations
Foreign Ministry Statement: The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the U.S. military strikes and subsequent abduction of Maduro as an "act of armed aggression" against a sovereign state. Moscow demanded the immediate release of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, calling the legal pretexts for the operation "untenable".
Dmitry Medvedev’s Reaction: The Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council characterized the operation as a "violent operation against an independent country" that posed no threat to the United States. He ironically referred to it as a "wonderful example of peacemaking" by the U.S. and asserted that the incident proves only a nuclear arsenal can truly guarantee a nation's sovereignty.
Strategic Interests: Russian officials, including Alexei Pushkov, alleged that the "war on drugs" was merely a cover for the true U.S. objective: seizing control of Venezuela's vast oil reserves.
Context of the Capture
Operation Absolute Resolve: On January 3, 2026, U.S. elite units, including Delta Force, conducted a pre-dawn raid in Caracas that successfully captured Maduro and his wife.
Charges and Detention: Maduro was transported to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, to face federal charges of narco-terrorism, cocaine importation, and weapons possession.
U.S. Intentions: President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. would "run" Venezuela temporarily to manage a transition and "get the oil flowing".
International Response
Opposition: Alongside Russia, the operation was condemned by China, Cuba, Iran, and North Korea as a violation of the UN Charter and international law.
Support: Conversely, leaders from Israel, Argentina, and several European nations praised the development as a step toward restoring democracy in the region.
