Russia Pledges Full Support for Venezuela Against US Hostilities

Russia has expressed “full support” for Venezuela as it confronts a growing crisis with the United States. The pledge comes ahead of a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting scheduled for Tuesday to discuss escalating tensions in the Caribbean.

The support was conveyed in a phone call between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Venezuelan counterpart, Yvan Gil. They sharply criticised recent U.S. actions.

These include strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats and the recent seizure of two Venezuelan oil tankers. A U.S. official confirmed a third ship is also being pursued.

According to a Russian foreign ministry statement, the ministers expressed “deep concern” over Washington’s escalation. They warned it could have “serious consequences for the region and threaten international shipping.”

Russia reaffirmed its “full support for and solidarity with the Venezuelan leadership and people,” the statement added.

🇻🇪 🇷🇺 🇺🇸 Russia has expressed "full support" for Venezuela as the South American country confronts a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers by US forces deployed in the Caribbean, the two governments said.
➡️ https://t.co/hK4z30nRAs pic.twitter.com/W69WoTJnCG

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) December 22, 2025

The U.S. has intensified pressure on the government of President Nicolás Maduro. Since September, U.S. forces have conducted strikes in the Caribbean, killing over 100 people. Families and regional governments claim some victims were fishermen.

Furthermore, President Donald Trump announced a blockade of “sanctioned oil vessels” to and from Venezuela on December 16. He accuses Caracas of using oil revenue to finance criminal activities.

Venezuela calls the seizures “international piracy” and fears a U.S.-backed regime change effort. Lavrov and Gil agreed to “coordinate their actions on the international stage, particularly at the UN.” Their goal is to uphold state sovereignty and non-interference.

Read: U.S. Escalates Venezuela Pressure, Demands Maduro Be “Gone”

Russia and China backed Venezuela’s request for the urgent UNSC meeting to address U.S. actions. Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed the significance of Moscow’s support. He stated Washington was “not concerned about an escalation with Russia,” noting Moscow already has its “hands full in Ukraine.”