Putin and Lula Discuss Venezuela’s Sovereignty Amid US Tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva engaged in a phone call on January 3, 2024, focusing on the ongoing situation in Venezuela. The Kremlin has reported that the two leaders reaffirmed the necessity of protecting Venezuela’s sovereignty following recent military actions by the United States, which included the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

During the conversation, both presidents expressed their agreement on the importance of upholding Venezuela’s national interests in the face of what they termed US aggression. The Kremlin’s statement highlighted that Russia and Brazil share fundamental stances regarding the need for sovereignty in Latin America. They pledged to continue their collaborative efforts, particularly within the framework of the United Nations and the economic group BRICS, to help de-escalate tensions in the region.

The backdrop of this discussion includes a series of airstrikes conducted by US forces in Caracas and other areas of Venezuela, which occurred on January 3. These operations resulted in the capture of Maduro and Flores, who were subsequently taken to a US warship and later flown to New York. In a court appearance last week, both individuals pleaded not guilty to charges related to drug-trafficking conspiracy.

President Lula criticized the US raid, stating on social media platform X that such actions have crossed an “unacceptable line.” He emphasized that this military operation sets a concerning precedent for international relations and warned that it harkens back to detrimental historical interference in Latin America and the Caribbean. Lula’s comments underscore the broader implications of the US actions for regional stability, describing them as threats to the preservation of peace in Latin America.

In response to the US intervention, Russia reiterated its support for Venezuela, condemning what it referred to as “blatant neo-colonial threats and external armed aggression.” The Russian government called for Maduro’s immediate release. Speaking at an emergency session of the UN Security Council earlier this month, Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia characterized the US actions as “international banditry,” asserting that they are motivated by a desire for control over Venezuela’s abundant natural resources.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also condemned the US attack, labeling it a “flagrant violation of international law.” As both nations prepare for the upcoming Russian-Brazilian High-Level Commission on Cooperation, scheduled for February, the focus remains on deepening bilateral relations. The ongoing developments in Venezuela will likely be a central topic of discussion in future diplomatic engagements between Moscow and Brasília.