What's happened
The U.S. has launched military actions against Venezuela, kidnapping President Maduro and seizing a Russian-flagged oil tanker. Russia has condemned the attack but has not issued an official response, with Putin observing the situation cautiously amid broader geopolitical tensions involving Ukraine and U.S.-Russia relations.
What's behind the headline?
The current crisis underscores the fragile state of international norms and the risks of unilateral military actions. Russia's muted response indicates a strategic calculation: Putin is likely weighing the potential for escalation against the benefits of observing U.S. actions. The absence of a direct statement from Putin may reflect uncertainty or a desire to avoid provoking further conflict. The situation in Venezuela, combined with Russia's broader geopolitical posture, suggests that Russia is trying to avoid direct confrontation while maintaining influence. The U.S. action could set a precedent for future interventions, but it risks escalating into a wider conflict if Russia perceives this as a threat to its interests. The cautious Russian stance may also be a signal that Putin is waiting for a more advantageous moment to respond or escalate, especially as tensions over Ukraine persist. Overall, this incident highlights the volatility of current international relations and the potential for miscalculation.
What the papers say
The Japan Times reports that Russia has not issued an official statement, with Putin observing cautiously, which may indicate uncertainty. Politico highlights that Russia's response is restrained, with the Foreign Ministry condemning the U.S. action as an unacceptable violation of sovereignty, but avoiding direct escalation. France 24 notes that Moscow is 'embarrassed' and 'ill at ease,' balancing its loss of Venezuela with the desire not to antagonize the U.S., and suggests Putin is likely calculating his next move carefully. The contrasting perspectives reveal a common theme: Russia is wary of escalation, but the geopolitical stakes remain high, and the situation could evolve rapidly.
How we got here
The U.S. targeted Venezuela, a Russian ally, by kidnapping its president and seizing a tanker, escalating tensions amid ongoing conflicts involving Ukraine and Russia. Russia's response has been restrained, with the Foreign Ministry condemning the U.S. action as a violation of sovereignty. Putin's approach reflects a strategic patience, but the situation signals increased geopolitical instability.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Why Is Russia Increasing Attacks on Ukraine Now?
Recent escalations in Russia's attacks on Ukraine have raised many questions. Why is this happening now, and what does it mean for the ongoing conflict? In this page, we explore the reasons behind the recent surge in hostilities, the main targets in Ukraine, and the international response. Understanding these developments is crucial for grasping the current state of the Ukraine conflict and its global implications.
-
What’s Next for Europe in 2026? Leadership, Security, and Stability
Europe faces a pivotal year in 2026, with significant challenges surrounding leadership, security, and geopolitical stability. Weak leadership among key nations, strained transatlantic relations, and ongoing conflicts with Russia threaten to reshape the continent’s future. As Europe navigates these turbulent waters, many wonder how resilient the continent truly is and what role international alliances will play. Below, we explore the key questions about Europe's prospects this year and what factors will influence its path forward.
-
Why Did the US Attack Venezuela and Kidnap President Maduro?
Recent military actions by the US against Venezuela have raised many questions. Why did the US target Venezuela, and what does this mean for international relations? How is Russia responding to these events? Below, we explore the key questions and what they could mean for global stability and future conflicts.
-
Why Did the US Attack Venezuela Now?
The recent US military actions against Venezuela have raised many questions about the motives behind this bold move. Why did the US choose this moment to act, and what are the implications for international relations? Below, we explore the key reasons and what this means for global stability and future conflicts.
More on these topics
-
Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
-
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician, actor and comedian who is the 6th and current president of Ukraine, serving since May 2019.
-
Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in