Russia's Foreign Ministry accused the United States of reviving "piracy" in the Caribbean by enforcing a blockade on Venezuela and urged de‑escalation. Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova appealed to President Trump’s pragmatism to seek solutions within international law. A U.S. official told Reuters the White House has ordered forces to prioritize enforcing a Venezuelan oil "quarantine" for at least two months, signaling a focus on economic pressure rather than immediate military action. U.S. sources warn Venezuela could face severe economic distress by late January if no concessions are made.
Russia Accuses U.S. Of Reviving 'Piracy' In Caribbean With Venezuela Oil Blockade
Russia compares US blockade of Venezuela to piracy
Moscow's Foreign Ministry on Thursday accused the United States of reviving "piracy" and banditry in the Caribbean by imposing a blockade on Venezuela, and urged Washington to de‑escalate the situation. The ministry called for solutions that respect international law and appealed to what it called the pragmatism of U.S. President Donald Trump to help avert a wider crisis.
"Today we are witnessing complete lawlessness in the Caribbean Sea, where long‑forgotten theft of other people's property, namely piracy, and banditry, are being revived," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.
Zakharova added: "We consistently advocate for a de‑escalation. We hope that the pragmatism and rationality of US President Trump will allow solutions to be found that are mutually acceptable to the parties within the framework of international legal norms." Moscow also reaffirmed its support for efforts by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's government to protect sovereignty and maintain stable development.
U.S. Focus: Economic Pressure
A U.S. official told Reuters that the White House has ordered U.S. military forces to concentrate almost exclusively on enforcing a "quarantine" of Venezuelan oil for at least the next two months. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Washington is prioritizing economic measures — such as sanctions and enforcement of the oil quarantine — over direct military action for now.
"While military options still exist, the focus is to first use economic pressure by enforcing sanctions to reach the outcome the White House is looking (for)," the anonymous official said.
Reuters has also reported that President Trump has privately urged President Maduro to step down, while publicly keeping his precise goals for Venezuela vague. The U.S. official told Reuters the combined pressure could leave Venezuela facing an economic calamity by late January unless Caracas makes significant concessions.
What This Means
The dispute underscores rising tensions between Moscow and Washington over Venezuela, where Russia has political and economic ties. The next weeks — during which the United States intends to enforce an oil quarantine — may be decisive in determining whether diplomatic channels can resolve the standoff or whether pressure escalates further.
