Russia: Maduro's Arrest a Disaster for International Relations
JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev stated that the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was a disaster in the realm of international relations.
"This year began with great turmoil. The main thing to remember from the beginning of this year is Maduro's kidnapping. Of course, this is a brazen and despicable act, or if expressed more bluntly, a universal disaster in international relations," Medvedev wrote via his Telegram account, as reported by ANTARA from Sputnik, Friday, January 9.
He said there were two possible scenarios for Maduro in the near future.
"Today there are only two scenarios. First, the United States secretly frees the kidnapped Venezuelan president for a reasonable reason, although the chances are very small," Medvedev said.
"Second, he will become the new Mandela of Latin America, which is most likely. His name will then be recorded in South American history alongside Bolivar, Miranda, and Chavez," he added.
According to Medvedev, US Vice President JD Vance or the successor to US President Donald Trump will eventually grant Maduro a pardon under public pressure.
He also assessed that oil was the main factor behind the United States' actions in Venezuela, but the problem would not be easily resolved.
The Russian official added that if the United States launched a ground operation in Venezuela, the move would be much bloodier than the kidnapping of Maduro.
"Yes, oil is a key factor. However, even that will not be easy. What if the current Venezuelan authorities are reluctant to share their oil with the United States for a long time?" he said.
"Will Trump really launch a ground operation? Congress will definitely be involved, and it will be much bloodier than Maduro's kidnapping," Medvedev said, expressing his doubts that the current US government wants this scenario.
On January 3, the United States launched a massive attack on Venezuela and arrested President Nicolas Maduro along with his wife, Cilia Flores, and then took the two to New York.
Trump announced that Maduro and Flores would be tried for alleged involvement in "narcoterrorism" and considered a threat, including to the United States.
The Venezuelan government in Caracas has called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations regarding the US operation.
The Supreme Court of Venezuela then transferred the duties of the head of state to Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who was officially inaugurated as interim president in front of the National Assembly on January 5.
Russia, China, and North Korea strongly condemned the United States' actions.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its solidarity with the Venezuelan people and called for the release of Maduro and his wife, as well as asking that further escalation be prevented.