MOSCOW, January 3, 2026 — Russia has denounced what it described as an act of “armed aggression” by the United States against Venezuela, pledging solidarity with the Venezuelan people and support for the Bolivarian government’s efforts to safeguard national sovereignty.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a telephone conversation on January 3 with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Eloína Rodríguez Gómez, during which both sides committed to strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership. Lavrov underscored Russia’s backing for Venezuela in the face of external pressure, stressing the need to avoid further escalation and pursue dialogue-based solutions.

In a statement issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry, Moscow condemned Washington’s actions as “ideological hostility” overriding pragmatic diplomacy. The ministry emphasized that Latin America must remain a “zone of peace,” reiterating Venezuela’s right to determine its own future free from military interference. Russia also voiced support for calls by Caracas and other Latin American leaders to convene an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.

The Russian Embassy in Caracas confirmed it continues to operate normally and remains in contact with Venezuelan authorities and Russian nationals in the country. No injuries among Russian citizens have been reported.

The developments come amid heightened tensions in Moscow’s broader foreign policy environment. Just days earlier, Lavrov accused Ukraine of carrying out a large-scale drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s residence in the Novgorod Region. According to Russian officials, 91 unmanned aerial vehicles were intercepted by air defense systems, with no casualties or damage reported.

Lavrov warned that the “reckless actions” would not go unanswered, noting that Russian forces had already identified targets for retaliatory strikes. Despite the incident, he insisted Russia would not withdraw from ongoing negotiations with the United States over the conflict in Ukraine, though he signaled Moscow’s negotiating stance would be reassessed.