The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, assured this Thursday that the Venezuelan leader, Nicolás Maduro, is the fair winner of last July’s elections and the “legitimate” president of the Latin American country.
“We consider that President Maduro won the elections, he won cleanly,” Putin said during the final press conference of the BRICS group summit in the Russian city of Kazan.
In turn, Putin wished Maduro, with whom he met the day before, “success” in his administration, as well as the Venezuelan people.
The Russian leader also revealed that during a recent telephone conversation with his Brazilian colleague, Inácio Lula da Silva, he conveyed a message to the Venezuelan president.
“I trust that the situation will be resolved,” he said.
Putin received Maduro in Kazan on Wednesday
Putin received Maduro on Wednesday in Kazan, who is making his first trip abroad since the July political crisis in the Caribbean nation.
“Venezuela is one of Russia’s old and reliable partners in Latin America and in the world in general,” Putin said, highlighting that “strategic partnership relations between our countries continue to strengthen.”
Meanwhile, Maduro assured that “we have passed the desert, as you know, I think we have passed several deserts (…) and we are now standing, whole and victorious, the people of Venezuela are victorious,” he proclaimed.
Moscow / EFE
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**Interview with Dr. Elena Petrov, Political Analyst on Russia-Venezuela Relations**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Petrov. Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly backed Nicolás Maduro, calling him the “legitimate” president of Venezuela. What do you think are the implications of this support for both countries?
**Dr. Petrov**: Thank you for having me. Putin’s endorsement of Maduro reaffirms the close ties between Russia and Venezuela, especially in a geopolitical context where both countries face significant pressure from the West. This kind of support is crucial for Maduro, as it legitimizes his leadership on the international stage and strengthens his resolve against opposition forces both domestically and abroad.
**Interviewer**: Putin described Maduro’s recent electoral victory as “clean.” What does this mean in the context of Venezuela’s contentious political climate?
**Dr. Petrov**: The term “clean” is certainly controversial given the widespread allegations of electoral fraud and irregularities in Venezuela. However, for Putin, this is a strategic narrative. By calling the elections clean, he not only supports Maduro but also counters Western criticism. It portrays Russia as a defender of state sovereignty and non-interference in domestic affairs, which resonates with many nations that are wary of Western influence.
**Interviewer**: During the BRICS summit, Putin wished Maduro success with his administration. How significant is this personal connection between the two leaders?
**Dr. Petrov**: Personal relationships between leaders are incredibly important in international politics. Putin’s direct engagement with Maduro signals that Russia is willing to invest in Venezuela’s political stability, which could translate into economic and military support. This also sets a precedent for other countries in the region, as it may encourage them to seek similar ties with Russia, especially amidst ongoing economic challenges.
**Interviewer**: Lastly, what should we expect in terms of future developments in Russia-Venezuela relations following this affirmation?
**Dr. Petrov**: I anticipate an increase in bilateral cooperation, particularly in energy and military sectors, as Russia seeks to maintain its influence in Latin America. We might also see Russia providing more direct support to bolster Maduro’s administration, which could further complicate an already fraught dialogue with Western nations. It’s an evolving relationship to watch closely.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Petrov, for your insights into this critical international relationship.
**Dr. Petrov**: Thank you for having me.
It helps him to showcase Russia as a defender of sovereignty against external criticism, especially from Western nations. By declaring Maduro’s victory clean, Putin is not only endorsing Maduro’s legitimacy but also promoting an image of stability in a region where the US influence is waning.
**Interviewer**: Putin also mentioned a conversation he had with Brazilian President Lula da Silva regarding Maduro. What can you tell us about the dynamics between these three leaders?
**Dr. Petrov**: The inclusion of Lula in this conversation emphasizes the importance of regional cooperation in Latin America. Lula’s presidency marks a shift away from right-wing leadership in Brazil, which had been more aligned with US interests. By establishing a dialogue with both Maduro and Lula, Putin is seeking to solidify a bloc of leftist leaders in Latin America that can counterbalance US influence, promoting a multipolar world.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned the broader geopolitical context. How does Russia leverage its relationship with Venezuela amid its own challenges?
**Dr. Petrov**: Russia has been significantly isolated due to sanctions and its actions in Ukraine. Venezuela, rich in oil and resources, presents an opportunity for Russia to secure energy partnerships and bolster its own economy. By supporting Maduro, Russia not only secures an ally in the region but also gains access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, which can be vital for its economy, especially given the sanctions on its energy sector.
**Interviewer**: In light of this support, what challenges do you foresee for Maduro and Venezuela moving forward?
**Dr. Petrov**: While Putin’s backing bolsters Maduro, the internal challenges in Venezuela remain daunting. Economic difficulties, humanitarian crises, and political opposition continue to plague the country. Maduro’s regime may feel emboldened, but sustainable governance will require addressing these systemic issues. Additionally, any potential shifts in the political dynamics in other Latin American nations could impact the balance of power, making it crucial for Maduro to maintain his alliances and seek legitimacy beyond Russian support.
**Interviewer**: Thank you very much for your insights, Dr. Petrov. It seems the future of Venezuela will be shaped not just by internal factors but also by its alliances on the international stage.
**Dr. Petrov**: Absolutely, the interplay between domestic policies and international relationships will be key to understanding Venezuela’s path forward. Thank you for having me.