In response to escalating tensions in Venezuela, Russia has begun evacuating the families of its diplomats stationed in the country. The move follows increasing fears of potential U.S. military action, as highlighted by a European intelligence official who described the situation in Venezuela as being assessed in “very grim tones.” The evacuation process started on September 29, 2023, according to information relayed to the Associated Press.
Despite reports of the evacuation, the Russian Foreign Ministry publicly denied these claims, labeling them as “a lie” on their official Facebook page. This contradiction underscores the rising diplomatic tensions between Russia and the United States over the situation in Venezuela.
Diplomatic Conversations and Military Threats
Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yván Gil confirmed on Monday that he had a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov. Gil stated that Lavrov reiterated Russia’s support for Venezuela against U.S. actions, particularly referencing President Donald Trump’s declared blockade of sanctioned oil tankers. “We reviewed the aggressions and flagrant violations of international law that have been committed in the Caribbean,” Gil noted, condemning U.S. actions as unlawful and equating them to piracy.
On the same day, Trump issued a stern warning to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, as the U.S. Coast Guard intensified efforts to intercept oil tankers in the Caribbean Sea. This operation is part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration to exert pressure on the Caracas government. Trump has accused Maduro of leading an international drug trafficking cartel and recommended that he step down, stating, “If he wants to do something, if he plays tough, it’ll be the last time he’ll ever be able to play tough.” Additionally, the U.S. has placed a $50 million bounty on Maduro’s head.
Military Operations and International Responses
As military operations escalate, the U.S. Defense Department continues its targeted actions against smaller vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean. These actions, purportedly aimed at drug trafficking, have resulted in at least 105 fatalities from 29 known strikes since early September. This campaign has drawn criticism from U.S. lawmakers and human rights activists, who argue that the evidence supporting the claims of drug smuggling is minimal and that many strikes may constitute extrajudicial killings.
Earlier last week, Russia issued a warning to the United States against the potential for military intervention in Venezuela, cautioning that such a decision could have unpredictable consequences for the entire Western Hemisphere. The Kremlin’s commitment to supporting Venezuela’s leadership suggests a deepening alliance amid rising geopolitical tensions.
The situation remains fluid as both nations navigate their respective military and diplomatic strategies, with the potential for further escalation looming over the region.
