Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone with Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro on Thursday and assured him of Moscow’s support as the Venezuelan leader faces escalating external pressure, a Kremlin statement said.
In the call, reported by Reuters, Putin expressed support for Maduro’s government “despite growing external pressure,” as the United States under President Donald Trump continues to push for Maduro’s removal from office. Washington has increased military activity in the Caribbean as part of its pressure campaign.
The Kremlin said the two leaders discussed their shared interest in advancing a strategic partnership agreement and promoting joint projects in the economic and energy sectors. Moscow has long seen Venezuela as an important partner in Latin America, especially as both governments face isolation and international sanctions.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro. (Maxim Shemetov/AFP/Getty Images))
The call came a day after the United States seized a huge US-sanctioned Venezuelan oil tanker off the country’s coast, escalating already tense relations between Caracas and Washington.
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Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro brandishes a sword during an event at the military academy in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, November 25, 2025. (Ariana Cubillos/AP Photo)
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that federal agencies, including the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Coast Guard, conducted the tanker operation and released unclassified video footage of the seizure. The measure followed a federal order related to sanctions violations.
President Trump publicly acknowledged the operation, describing the ship as the largest tanker ever seized by the United States. Reuters reported that the move caused oil prices to rise and strained US-Venezuela relations.
Ties between Russia and Venezuela
Russia and Venezuela have had a close relationship for more than two decades, a partnership that deepened during the presidency of Hugo Chávez and continued under Nicolás Maduro. According to Reuters, cooperation between the two countries has focused on defense, energy production and financial aid.
In recent years, Moscow has supplied military equipment to Caracas, supported Venezuela’s state oil company through joint ventures and provided loans and credit lines that have helped keep parts of the country’s oil sector functioning. Venezuela has taken out billions of dollars in Russian loans and financing arrangements related to Venezuelan crude oil exports.
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Soldiers with painted faces march during a military parade to celebrate the 205th anniversary of Venezuela’s independence in Caracas, Venezuela, July 5, 2016. (Carlos Jasso/Reuters)
Despite international sanctions against both governments, Russia has consistently treated Venezuela as a strategic partner. The U.S. Congressional Research Service reports describe the relationship as enduring and largely unaffected by short-term political shifts or external pressures. Moscow has continued to provide diplomatic support and economic cooperation even as Venezuela’s domestic crisis worsened and US pressure campaigns intensified.
