Russia and China Strengthen Ties with Venezuela Amid U.S. Pressure

As the U.S. ramps up its pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, both Russia and China have stepped in to express their unwavering support for the Maduro government. According to the Guardian, this support comes amid a U.S. blockade of sanctioned oil tankers, which has significantly affected the loading activities at Venezuelan ports.

U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated calls for Maduro to step down and confirmed that the U.S. would retain or sell oil seized from Venezuelan vessels. The blockade has left millions of barrels of Venezuelan oil stranded on tankers as shipping activities are increasingly constrained.

China's foreign ministry has condemned the U.S. actions, labeling the seizure of ships as a serious violation of international law, while Russia's foreign ministry echoed this sentiment, expressing deep concern over escalating tensions in the Caribbean.

They reaffirmed solidarity with Venezuela, emphasizing the latter's right to develop relationships with other nations without facing unilateral sanctions. Furthermore, the U.S. has intensified military operations against vessels accused of drug trafficking, leading to tragic outcomes and raising fears in Caracas of a potential regime change orchestrated by Washington.

In response, Maduro has criticized Trump, suggesting that the U.S. president should focus on domestic issues rather than threatening Venezuela.