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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 mounting external pressure, according to a Kremlin statement.
In the call, reported by Reuters, Putin expressed support for Maduro’s government “in the face of growing external pressure”, such as the United States under the 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 common interest in advancing a strategic partnership agreement and advancing joint projects in the economic and energy sectors. Moscow has long seen Venezuela as a key partner in Latin America, especially since the two governments face isolation and international sanctions.
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 massive, US-sanctioned Venezuelan oil tanker off the country’s coast, intensifying already strained relations between Caracas and Washington.
According to The Fox News Digital reportthe Venezuelan government condemned the seizure as a violation of its sovereignty and accused Washington of hostile actions against its economic interests. The Trump administration has stepped up enforcement targeting Venezuela’s oil sector, which remains the backbone of Maduro’s government despite years of decline.
Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro brandishes a sword during an event at the military academy in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Ariana Cubillos/AP Photo)
Attorney General of the United States Pam Bondi confirmed that federal agencies, including the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and the US Coast Guard, conducted the tanker operation and released unclassified video footage of the seizure. The move follows a federal warrant related to sanctions violations.
President Trump publicly acknowledged the operationwhich describes the vessel as the largest tanker ever captured by the United States. Reuters reported that the action caused oil prices to rise and added new tension to US-Venezuela relations.
Russia-Venezuela ties
Russia and Venezuela have maintained 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, the cooperation between the two countries focused on defense, energy production and financial assistance.
In recent years, Moscow has provided military equipment to Caracas, supported Venezuela’s state oil company through joint ventures, and extended loans and credit lines that have helped maintain part of the country’s oil sector. Venezuela has taken billions of dollars in Russian loans and financing arrangements tied to Venezuela’s crude exports.
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Soldiers with their faces painted march during a military parade to celebrate the 205th anniversary of Venezuela’s independence in Caracas, Venezuela on July 5, 2016. (Carlos Jasso/Reuters)
Despite international sanctions aimed at both governments, Russia has always treated Venezuela as a strategic partner. Reports from the US Congressional Research Service describe the relationship as durable and largely unaffected by short-term political changes or external pressure. Moscow continued to offer diplomatic support and economic cooperation even as Venezuela’s domestic crisis worsened and US pressure campaigns intensified.
Fox News Digital’s Ashley Carnahan, Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this story.
