Putin calls Venezuela president to offer Russian support as US WW3 fears explode

Amid escalating tensions between the Trump administration and Venezuela, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed his support for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The call, which took place on December 11, came just a day after U.S. forces seized an oil tanker near Venezuelan waters, further straining relations between Washington and Caracas.

According to the Kremlin, Putin reassured Maduro that direct communication between Russia and Venezuela will remain open. He also emphasized Russia’s commitment to supporting Venezuela’s sovereignty, upholding international law, and maintaining peace throughout Latin America.

Maduro has cultivated close ties with Russia over the years, receiving support ranging from COVID-19 vaccines to assistance in developing a national cryptocurrency. In 2018, Russia sent nuclear-capable Tu-160 bombers to Venezuela amid rising tensions with the United States. Last year, two Russian naval ships docked in the port of La Guairá following Atlantic exercises, demonstrating Moscow’s strategic presence in the region.

The seizure of the 332-meter-long oil tanker Skipper marked a significant escalation by the Trump administration. U.S. commandos intercepted the ship some 360 nautical miles northwest of Venezuela, accusing it of circumventing sanctions. Caracas condemned the operation, calling it “a blatant theft and an act of international piracy.”

Experts say the Skipper is part of a shadowy fleet of flagless or misrepresented oil tankers that Venezuela, Russia, and Iran have relied on to bypass sanctions. These ships often manipulate their automated identification systems to conceal their true locations or use false registration details, enabling sanctioned oil to reach international markets.

Since sanctions were first imposed on Venezuela in 2017, Maduro’s government has successfully relied on such vessels to maintain its oil exports. In fact, OPEC data shows that Venezuela’s oil production has risen by approximately 25% over the past two years. However, analysts warn that this latest U.S. seizure could signal a shift toward stricter enforcement, potentially threatening Venezuela’s smuggling networks and marking a turning point in the country’s oil strategy.