Russian President Vladimir Putin and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro held a telephone conversation in which they confirmed the strategic nature of their bilateral relations. According to the Kremlin, Putin expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan leader amid growing external pressure and reaffirmed support for Caracas' policy aimed at protecting national interests and sovereignty. Maduro, in turn, informed his Russian counterpart about economic achievements that allow Venezuela to lead regional growth with a 9% projection for this year. Both leaders discussed the development of friendly relations in accordance with the strategic partnership agreement, which entered into force in November 2025, and reaffirmed their mutual commitment to implementing joint projects in trade, economic, energy, and humanitarian spheres. Putin also stated that communication channels between the two governments remain permanently open, and Russia will continue to support Venezuela in its struggle to assert its sovereignty, international law, and peace throughout Latin America. Maduro, for his part, accused the United States of attempting to 'steal' Venezuelan oil after the Trump administration intercepted and confiscated an oil tanker near Venezuelan waters. The Venezuelan leader called it an act of 'naval criminal piracy' and denounced the 'kidnapping' of its crew.
