Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, on Thursday, during which he reiterated Russia’s intention to carry out joint projects in the economy and energy sectors and expressed solidarity with Venezuela. The call, confirmed by the Kremlin, comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, including pressure from the United States on Caracas. The heightened diplomatic strain in the Western Hemisphere is the direct result of American strikes in the Caribbean sea on the premise of targeting alleged drug cartels emanating from Venezuela – a charge Maduro has denied. According to Russian state news agency RIA, during the conversation, Putin and Maduro underscored their shared interest in deepening cooperation on strategic economic initiatives and energy development. The Kremlin said the leaders “expressed intention to carry out joint projects in economy, energy” that build on longstanding ties between Moscow and Caracas, reported Reuters. In the call, Putin also expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people and support for Maduro’s government, reinforcing Russia’s political backing for Caracas. Russia and Venezuela have maintained a strategic partnership in recent years, marked by collaboration in oil, gas, and other energy sectors, along with wider economic and diplomatic cooperation through mechanisms such as OPEC+ and bilateral agreements.
