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| Source: Video Screenshot |
The Lavrov-Rodriguez Phone Call
On Saturday, shortly after the US operation, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a telephone conversation with Venezuelan Executive Vice President Delcy Rodríguez. According to Russia's Foreign Ministry, Lavrov expressed "firm solidarity with the Venezuelan people in the face of armed aggression" and reaffirmed Moscow's commitment to supporting Venezuela's sovereignty and national interests.
Both officials emphasized the need to prevent further escalation and resolve the crisis through peaceful dialogue. They also reaffirmed their dedication to deepening the strategic partnership between Russia and Venezuela, a relationship built on years of economic, military, and diplomatic cooperation.
Russia has additionally called on the United States to release Maduro and his wife, stressing that any disputes should be addressed through diplomatic channels rather than military force.
The US Operation and Trump's Statements
President Donald Trump announced the operation on Saturday, describing it as a decisive strike against a leader long accused by Washington of running a criminal regime. US special forces, supported by airstrikes, reportedly captured Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from their residence in Caracas. The couple is now being transported to the United States to face federal charges.
In a phone interview with Fox News, Trump stated: "We can’t take a chance on letting somebody else run and just take over where [Maduro] left off. So we're making that decision now." He indicated that the US would play a direct role in determining Venezuela's interim leadership, despite constitutional provisions naming Vice President Rodríguez as Maduro's successor.
The US Department of Justice has unsealed new indictments against Maduro, his wife, and his son, accusing them of using state institutions to facilitate massive cocaine trafficking into the United States. Washington has long viewed Maduro's government as illegitimate, maintaining a $50 million bounty for information leading to his arrest prior to these events.
Latest Developments and International Reactions
As of January 3, 2026, global reactions are pouring in. France has described the US actions as potentially contradicting international law, while China and Iran have echoed Russia's condemnation. Meanwhile, several Latin American nations remain silent or divided, reflecting longstanding regional splits over Venezuela.
Latest update: TASS reports that Russia is strongly urging the immediate release of Maduro and his wife, with the Foreign Ministry labeling the US operation a violation of sovereignty. Live coverage from major outlets indicates calm in Caracas following the strikes, though uncertainty surrounds the transitional government. Source: TASS
This incident marks a bold escalation in US policy toward Venezuela under the second Trump administration, reviving debates about intervention, sovereignty, and the fight against alleged narco-states. While supporters in Washington celebrate it as a victory for justice, critics warn of dangerous precedents and potential regional instability in an oil-rich nation already scarred by years of economic crisis.
Broader Context
Russia and Venezuela have maintained close ties for decades, with Moscow providing military equipment, loans, and diplomatic cover at the UN. The US, by contrast, has imposed extensive sanctions and recognized opposition figures as legitimate leaders since 2019. The dramatic capture could reshape alliances across Latin America and test the limits of great-power competition in the Western Hemisphere.
As the situation evolves, the international community watches closely—hoping for de-escalation, but bracing for what could become a prolonged standoff.