Russia’s Commitment to Venezuela
Moscow is ready to uphold the commitments outlined in its recent treaty with Venezuela, as stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov this week. This declaration comes despite Caracas not formally requesting support while the United States increases its military presence in the Caribbean.
The strategic agreement was established in May during Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s visit to Russia. Although Venezuela has ratified the treaty, Mr. Lavrov noted on Tuesday that discussions are still ongoing within Russia’s legislature.
“The treaty is nearly finalized. We will strictly adhere to the obligations it contains,” Mr. Lavrov mentioned during a briefing with reporters on Tuesday. “We are prepared to fully act within the framework of the commitments we and our Venezuelan partners have undertaken in this treaty.”
This week, the USS Gerald R. Ford, America’s largest aircraft carrier, along with its strike group, arrived in the region, joining eight warships, a nuclear submarine, and F-35 aircraft already stationed in the Caribbean.
Officials from Russia’s foreign ministry stated on Friday that the U.S. should refrain from interfering in sovereign nations’ domestic matters under the guise of combating drug trafficking.
“The situation is exacerbated by the fact that American authorities have provided no evidence linking their targeted ships and crews to illicit drug activities,” said Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry.
The White House has claimed that this military buildup aims to combat narco-traffickers operating in the region. Since September, the Pentagon has conducted at least 20 strikes against suspected drug-smuggling vessels in both the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans.
Mr. Lavrov criticized these airstrikes as “unacceptable” actions taken under pretexts of fighting drug trafficking.
“It destroys boats allegedly carrying narcotics without any trial or investigation or evidence whatsoever,” he asserted. “Law-abiding nations do not engage in such behavior; it is typical of those who see themselves as above the law.”
