Putin Supports Venezuelan President as U.S. Naval Buildup Escalates

(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin has thrown support behind Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as Washington escalates its military presence throughout the Caribbean.

The two leaders emphasized deepening Moscow-Caracas relations during Thursday telephone discussions. The Kremlin reported that Putin "expressed solidarity with the people of Venezuela and reaffirmed his support for the Maduro government's resolve to defend national interests and sovereignty against foreign pressure."

Both presidents reinforced their dedication to the strategic partnership agreement formalized in May.

Venezuela's administration stated Putin and Maduro confirmed "the strategic, strong, and growing nature of bilateral relations." Officials added the Russian leader endorsed Maduro's initiatives to "consolidate peace, political stability, and economic development."

The exchange occurred following American seizure of a petroleum vessel that departed a Venezuelan facility this month. US Attorney General Pam Bondi claimed the ship faced prior sanctions for purportedly carrying oil from Iran.

Caracas characterized the operation as maritime theft and charged Washington with attempting to "plunder" its natural resources.

The US has deployed a naval fleet to the Caribbean and destroyed over 20 suspected narcotics vessels in international territory since September. Media reports American forces are positioning to intercept additional ships carrying Venezuelan crude as part of an intensified pressure strategy against Maduro, whom US President Donald Trump accused of supporting cartels.

Maduro has rejected allegations his administration maintains drug trafficking connections and pledged to protect the nation against possible invasion. He labeled Washington's operations "colonialist" and cautioned against initiating "a crazy war" in the area.

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