Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has sharply criticized the United States for its recent military actions in Venezuela and its threats against Iran. Speaking at a press conference in Moscow alongside Namibia’s foreign minister, Lavrov accused Washington of undermining the international order that it once helped establish. His remarks follow a bold U.S. operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Lavrov characterized the U.S. operation as a “gross violation of international law,” highlighting concerns over unilateral military actions that he believes weaken the framework of global relations. He stated, “This and other actions in the international arena indicate the line of our American colleagues to break the entire system that has been created for many years with their participation.” He further emphasized that principles of globalization and diplomatic norms are being disregarded.
The U.S. military operation, which occurred earlier in March 2024, involved missile strikes on the Venezuelan capital, Caracas. Following the strikes, Maduro and Flores were apprehended and transported to New York, where Maduro faces serious charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation. These allegations are tied to claims of state-sponsored drug trafficking networks supplying cocaine to the United States.
International reactions to the U.S. actions have been sharply divided. Many governments in Africa, Asia, and Latin America have condemned the raid as a breach of international norms. In contrast, most European and North American NATO members have expressed support for the operation, viewing it as part of a necessary strategy to combat drug trafficking and protect democratic processes in the region.
In addition to addressing the situation in Venezuela, Lavrov responded to recent U.S. threats against Iran. He underscored that no external power could alter the nature of the relationship between Russia and Iran, reaffirming Moscow’s commitment to existing agreements with Tehran. He stated, “Russia and Iran will continue to honor their bilateral commitments despite American pressure.”
Lavrov suggested that the United States’ current approach is damaging its global image and credibility. “Our American colleagues look unreliable when they act in this way,” he remarked, portraying the U.S. as abandoning the principles it has historically championed.
Despite the criticism from Russia, the U.S. administration has defended its actions as legally justified and necessary for regional stability. U.S. officials maintain that the military operation in Venezuela is part of a broader strategy aimed at countering drug trafficking and reducing foreign influence from adversarial powers in the Western Hemisphere.
As tensions rise, the implications of these actions for international relations remain uncertain, with both sides entrenched in their respective positions.
