On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in a phone conversation with Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, reaffirming Russia’s support amid increasing international pressure on the South American nation. This development was shared in a statement from the Kremlin.

During the call, as reported by Reuters, Putin conveyed his backing for Maduro’s administration, which is under heightened scrutiny from the United States. Under President Donald Trump, the U.S. has been actively seeking Maduro’s ouster, ramping up military operations in the Caribbean as part of this effort.

The Kremlin highlighted that the discussion between Putin and Maduro revolved around enhancing their strategic partnership, focusing particularly on joint ventures in economic and energy sectors. This relationship is crucial for Moscow, which considers Venezuela an important ally in Latin America, especially as both countries face global isolation and sanctions.

The conversation took place shortly after the U.S. intercepted a large Venezuelan oil tanker, sanctioned by the U.S., off its coastline, further straining relations between Caracas and Washington.

Fox News Digital reported that the Venezuelan authorities criticized the U.S. action, labeling it a breach of sovereignty and an aggressive move against its economic interests. The Trump administration has been increasingly targeting Venezuela’s oil industry, a critical component of Maduro’s government, despite its continued decline.

According to Fox News Digital’s report, the Venezuelan government condemned the seizure as a violation of its sovereignty and accused Washington of hostile action against its economic interests. The Trump administration has intensified 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)

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that federal agencies, including the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Coast Guard, carried out the tanker operation and released unclassified video footage of the seizure. The move followed a federal warrant tied to sanctions violations.

President Trump publicly acknowledged the operation, describing the vessel as the largest tanker ever seized by the United States. Reuters reported that the action caused oil prices to rise and added new strain to U.S.–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, cooperation between the two countries has focused on defense, energy production and financial assistance.

Over the past several years, Moscow has supplied military equipment to Caracas, supported Venezuela’s state oil company through joint ventures, and extended loans and credit lines that have helped keep parts of the country’s oil sector functioning. Venezuela has taken billions of dollars in Russian loans and financing arrangements tied to Venezuela’s crude exports.

Soldiers with their faces painted 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 targeting both governments, Russia has consistently treated Venezuela as a strategic partner. The U.S. Congressional Research Service reports describe the relationship as durable and largely unaffected by short-term political shifts or external pressure. Moscow has continued to offer diplomatic backing and economic cooperation even as Venezuela’s domestic crisis worsened and U.S. pressure campaigns intensified.

Fox News Digital’s Ashley Carnahan, the Associated Press and Reuters contributed to the story.