In a sharp critique of American foreign policy, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has labelled the actions of US President Donald Trump in Venezuela as unlawful. The comments came in response to Washington's decision to recognise opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate interim president of the South American nation, a move that has escalated a major geopolitical standoff.
Medvedev's Critique of US Intervention
Dmitry Medvedev, who currently serves as the deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, did not mince words in his assessment. He stated that President Trump's decision to back Guaido over the elected government of Nicolas Maduro was a clear violation of international law. This recognition, according to Medvedev, constitutes an unlawful intervention in Venezuela's internal affairs.
However, in a pointed observation, Medvedev noted that this approach was entirely consistent with long-standing United States policy. He argued that Washington has a historical pattern of supporting political forces in other countries that align with its own interests, often disregarding established legal and diplomatic norms. This pattern, he suggested, makes Trump's latest move unsurprising, even if it is legally dubious.
The Venezuela Crisis and Global Reactions
The crisis in Venezuela erupted in January when Juan Guaido, the head of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, declared himself interim president. He cited the alleged illegitimacy of Nicolas Maduro's re-election in 2018. The United States, along with numerous allies including Canada, Brazil, and several European nations, swiftly threw its support behind Guaido.
On the other side of the divide, nations like Russia, China, Cuba, and Turkey have continued to recognise Maduro as the constitutional leader. Russia, in particular, has been a key political and economic ally to Maduro's government, providing diplomatic support at the United Nations and engaging in financial and military cooperation. This alignment has turned Venezuela into a proxy battleground for influence between Washington and Moscow.
Implications for Russia-US Relations
Medvedev's statement is more than just a commentary on Venezuela; it is a reflection of the deepening frost in relations between Russia and the United States. The geopolitical rivalry has intensified across multiple fronts, from Syria and Ukraine to allegations of election interference and arms control treaties.
The Venezuelan situation adds another complex layer to this already strained relationship. Russia views the US stance as part of a broader strategy of enforcing regime change, a tactic it vehemently opposes. Medvedev's characterization of the actions as "unlawful but consistent" underscores a Russian perspective that sees American policy as predictably destabilizing, regardless of the administration in power.
As the standoff continues, with Maduro retaining control of the military and state institutions while Guaido seeks to galvanise public and international support, the role of external powers remains critical. Statements from high-profile figures like Medvedev signal that Russia is prepared to dig in its heels, framing the conflict as a matter of sovereignty versus foreign intervention. The outcome in Venezuela will likely have lasting repercussions for the balance of power in Latin America and for the ongoing global contest between the world's major powers.
