Russia and Venezuela expand strategic partnership in response to US sanctions.

247 - Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela announced this Friday (14), during a meeting held by videoconference, the conclusion of a broad strategic cooperation agreement that aims to significantly expand bilateral relations between the two countries, especially in the field of energy. 

According to information originally released by the Russian agency Sputnik, the agreement could be officially signed during Maduro's visit to Moscow, scheduled for May 9th, the date that celebrates the Soviet Union's Victory Day in World War II.

During the virtual meeting, Putin highlighted that the ties between Russia and Venezuela "have reached a level of strategic relations," emphasizing the importance of the agreement which, according to him, "will establish a solid foundation for further expanding bilateral ties." 

The Russian leader also took the opportunity to reiterate his personal invitation to Maduro to visit Moscow on the symbolic date of May 9, demonstrating the diplomatic significance of this meeting.

Putin's statements reveal the affinity between the two governments in the current international context: "Russia and Venezuela have similar positions on many issues on the international agenda. Together, we seek to create a more just world order, promote the principles of sovereign equality of states and mutually beneficial cooperation, without external interference in internal affairs," Putin emphasized. He further added that both countries are against any manifestations of "neo-Nazism and neocolonialism."

Maduro, in turn, celebrated the progress in bilateral relations, especially highlighting the energy sector: "This agreement raises our relations to the highest level in various fields, particularly in the field of energy cooperation, which is becoming increasingly stronger."

The announcement comes just days after the United States government revoked the license that allowed the American oil company Chevron to operate in Venezuela, even amidst economic sanctions imposed by Washington on the South American country. Furthermore, the US has indicated it may also review licenses granted to other international oil companies, such as the French company Maurel & Prom and the Spanish company Repsol.

Relations between Moscow and Caracas had already gained significant momentum during the presidency of the late Hugo Chávez, between 1999 and 2013, and were expanded throughout Maduro's term, especially after Russia expressed support for the Venezuelan president in the face of accusations of fraud in the July 2024 presidential elections. Maduro won the election, which was not recognized by Washington, while the opposition claimed victory for the exiled candidate Edmundo González Urrutia.

In addition to economic cooperation, Caracas has also repeatedly expressed its support for Russia amid the conflict in Ukraine, further consolidating the strategic partnership between the two governments. The recent virtual meeting between the two leaders also takes place in the context of the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the official establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Venezuela, which began in 1945.