Russian Foreign Ministry Demands Immediate Release of Captured Leaders

Russia’s foreign ministry has characterized the United States military operation in Venezuela as an unacceptable violation of sovereignty and demanded the immediate release of captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The Saturday strikes have triggered a diplomatic crisis between Washington and Moscow, adding another layer of tension to already strained US-Russian relations.
The Russian demand for release comes as the Trump administration moves forward with plans to prosecute Maduro and Cilia Flores on drug trafficking charges in New York. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the criminal proceedings, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated charges would relate to narcotics operations. President Trump stated the couple is aboard a ship being transported to the United States.
Russia’s condemnation aligns with similar criticism from China, with Beijing expressing shock at the use of force against a sovereign nation’s president and condemning hegemonic behavior. Both major powers have emphasized that such actions undermine international law and threaten peace and security, particularly in regions like Latin America that have experienced significant foreign intervention historically.
UN Secretary General António Guterres has warned through his spokesperson that the operation sets a dangerous precedent, emphasizing the critical importance of all nations respecting the UN Charter and established legal norms. European leaders including those from France, Spain, and the European Commission have called for respect of international law.
Latin American responses have divided along political lines, with right-wing governments offering support or remaining silent while leftist administrations condemned the intervention. Colombia has mobilized its armed forces in anticipation of potential refugee flows across its border, and security analysts question whether the operation will achieve its stated goals or simply perpetuate cycles of instability and authoritarian governance.