Russia accuses the US of escalating military tensions in the Caribbean.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister says Washington is solely responsible for the escalation near Venezuela.
247 - Russia accused the United States on Wednesday (5) of escalating military tensions in the Caribbean, especially near Venezuela. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Washington is solely responsible for the escalation that threatens regional stability.
We stand in solidarity with Venezuela. We believe that the unjustified increase in the US military presence in the southern Caribbean creates a situation of heightened tension. And no one else can be held responsible for this but the United States itself,” Ryabkov stated, according to the report. Sputnik Brazil.
Moscow strengthens strategic cooperation with Caracas.
The diplomat emphasized that Russia and Venezuela maintain constant contact and cooperation at various levels. "At all levels there are experts working on the subject of our cooperation. We keep all channels of communication open," said the deputy minister, reinforcing the alliance between Moscow and Caracas in the face of US pressure.
Ryabkov also rejected accusations that Venezuela was involved in drug trafficking. He cited reports from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and statements from the US State Department itself to support the claim that major drug cartels "have virtually no connection with Venezuela."
A meeting between Putin and Trump has not yet been scheduled.
Asked about the possibility of a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the current President of the United States, Donald Trump, Ryabkov stated that the conditions are not yet guaranteed. According to him, "any high-level meeting requires thorough preparation and careful consideration of all aspects."
Even without a new date set, the diplomat stressed that communications between Moscow and Washington remain active and that security issues "occupy a central place" in the bilateral dialogue.
US operations increase regional tension.
The Russian government's statements come amid increased U.S. military activity in the Caribbean. In September and October, U.S. forces conducted naval operations to destroy vessels allegedly linked to drug trafficking off the Venezuelan coast.
In recent statements, Donald Trump asserted that "Nicolás Maduro's days as president are numbered," but assured that Washington "does not intend to declare war on Caracas."
Moscow condemns "illegitimate pressure"
Moscow, for its part, condemns what it considers "illegitimate pressure" and continues to reiterate its political and diplomatic support for Venezuela. For the Kremlin, the actions of the United States represent an attempt to destabilize independent governments in Latin America and expand its military influence in the region.
