Thursday, January 8, 2026- Russia is reacting sharply to the U.S. military’s capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, viewing it as a stark example of American willingness to operate outside established norms of international conduct.
The Kremlin and Russian officials have condemned the operation as “armed aggression” and a blatant violation of Venezuelan sovereignty, with Moscow urging respect for international law even as it faces its own diplomatic challenges on the world stage.
Moscow’s response reflects both frustration and strategic calculation. While publicly denouncing the U.S. action, many Russian commentators privately acknowledge unease over the operation’s success and its implications for global power politics, especially given Russia’s own setbacks in Ukraine and the recent loss of other allies.
Some voices within Russia’s political ecosystem have even suggested the situation underscores a world where “might makes right,” potentially reinforcing narratives used by Moscow in its military engagements elsewhere.
The broader geopolitical fallout is already being felt. Russia risks a diminished influence in Latin America as its long‑standing alliance with Venezuela is upended, while at the same time Moscow may leverage the episode to argue that great powers can act with impunity, thereby justifying its own assertive policies.
Observers warn this could further erode established international norms, fuel strategic rivalry, and prompt Russia to reassess its diplomatic and military posture in both Europe and beyond.
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