Venezuela Crisis Deepens with U.S. Threats, Russian Backing

U.S. President Donald Trump suggested it would be “smart” for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to relinquish power, as American naval forces enforce a blockade targeting Venezuela’s oil revenues. The remarks came amid escalating U.S. military operations in the Caribbean.

Speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump stated that whether Maduro leaves office after 12 years is “up to him,” but warned, “If he plays tough, it’ll be the last time he’s ever able to play tough.”

Maduro responded hours later in a televised address, urging Trump to focus on domestic U.S. issues instead of threatening Venezuela. “He would be better off in his own country on economic and social issues,” Maduro said.

The exchange unfolds as Russia affirmed its “full support” for Maduro’s government. In a phone call, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Venezuelan counterpart Yvan Gil condemned recent U.S. actions including strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels and the seizure of oil tankers as a dangerous escalation that “could have serious consequences for the region.”

The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Lavrov “reaffirmed its full support for and solidarity with the Venezuelan leadership and people.”

U.S. forces have conducted multiple maritime strikes since September, which Washington says target drug trafficking networks. These operations have reportedly resulted in over 100 fatalities, including some fishermen, according to regional governments and families.

Last week, President Trump announced a blockade on “sanctioned oil vessels” to and from Venezuela, accusing Caracas of using oil profits to fund “drug terrorism, human trafficking, murder and kidnapping.” Venezuela has denounced the measures as “international piracy” and an attempt at forced regime change.

Diplomatic tensions are set to rise further at the United Nations, where Venezuela backed by Russia and China has called for a Security Council meeting to address what it terms “ongoing U.S. aggression.”

Despite Moscow’s strong backing, U.S. officials downplayed the risk of confrontation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked last week that Washington was “not concerned about an escalation with Russia,” noting that Moscow “has their hands full in Ukraine.

In a letter read on Venezuelan state television Monday, Maduro warned UN member states that the U.S. blockade “will affect the supply of oil and energy” worldwide.