Vladimir Putin Supports Maduro Amid Venezuelan Protests Over Disputed Election
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has turned to his ally, Russian President Vladimir Putin, to help quash opposition following a controversial presidential election that has sparked widespread protests.
The election, widely condemned as rigged by international observers, has led to the arrests of over 2,200 people, including opposition leaders and journalists.
Russian Military Presence and Wagner Mercenaries in Venezuela
Amid escalating tensions, Vladimir Putin has dispatched the Baltic Fleet to a port near Caracas, signaling strong support for Maduro as opposition politicians call on the military and security forces to respect the will of the people.
Despite these calls, Maduro’s security forces remain fiercely loyal, showing no signs of backing down.
In a concerning development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on social media that Russian Wagner mercenaries have been spotted in Venezuela, operating alongside government forces.
These mercenaries were previously involved in Venezuela during the 2019 presidential crisis and are now reportedly in the country to bolster Maduro’s security and train special military forces.
Russia’s Growing Influence in Venezuela
Vladimir Putin congratulated Maduro on his disputed election victory and invited him to the upcoming BRICS summit in Russia this October.
Analysts see Russia’s deepening involvement in Venezuela as a strategic move to strengthen authoritarian allies in the Western Hemisphere and counter U.S. influence in the region.
“Russia’s involvement in Venezuela is problematic for both the Venezuelan people and the United States,” said Jorge Jraissati, a Venezuelan foreign policy expert and president of the Economic Inclusion Group.
He warned that if Venezuela becomes a military hub for powers like Russia and Iran, it could destabilize the region, undermining human rights, security, and economic stability.
Ariel Gonzalez Levaggi, a senior associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies Americas Program, highlighted that Wagner mercenaries are a tool of military influence for Moscow, allowing for the extension of authoritarian regimes in the region.
Historical Context of Russia’s Support for Maduro
This is not the first time Russia has intervened to support Maduro. During the 2019 crisis, when opposition leader Juan Guaidó declared himself acting president after the opposition-controlled National Assembly refused to recognize Maduro’s victory, Russia deployed the same S-300 Air Defense Systems that it had used to support Bashar al-Assad in Syria.
Despite the death of Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2023, the mercenary group remains a significant force in Venezuela, continuing to serve Moscow’s interests in the region by supporting authoritarian governments.
Maduro, who has been in power since 2013 following the death of Hugo Chávez, declared victory in the July 28, 2024, presidential election. However, he has refused to provide data to substantiate his claim.
According to the government-backed National Electoral Council, Maduro received 6.4 million votes, while opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia garnered 5.3 million votes.
However, opposition data from polling stations indicated that González Urrutia actually won nearly 7 million votes, compared to just over 3 million for Maduro.
International Response and U.S. Involvement
The United States has rejected Maduro’s claim to victory, recognizing González Urrutia as the rightful winner of the election.
A State Department spokesperson stated, “Given the overwhelming evidence, it is clear to the United States and, most importantly, to the Venezuelan people, that Edmundo González Urrutia received the most votes in Venezuela’s July 28 presidential election.”
Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated González Urrutia and called for an inclusive and peaceful transition for the Venezuelan people.
The European Union has also refused to recognize Maduro’s victory, demanding evidence to substantiate his claims.
Regional powers like Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia have attempted to mediate the crisis, but their efforts have so far failed.
These nations, led by Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Colombia’s Gustavo Petro, and Mexico’s Andrés Manuel López Obrador, have generally maintained friendly relations with Venezuela but have stopped short of demanding Maduro step down.
Vladimir Putin Influence and the Future of Venezuela
As Maduro continues to crack down on dissent with Vladimir Putin’s assistance, the situation in Venezuela remains tense.
Russia’s involvement serves as a strategic move to counter U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere, similar to its support for Assad in Syria.
With Russia’s military presence and influence in Venezuela growing, the U.S. and its allies face increasing challenges in addressing the ongoing crisis.