August M
Shockwaves from the sudden removal of Venezuela’s president have spread far beyond Latin America. In Russia, officials, oligarchs and online commentators are voicing alarm over what a potential shift in control of Venezuelan oil could mean for their own economy.
The concerns centre on energy, power and survival.
Ally falls fast
According to the Daily Mirror, Russian anxiety intensified after Donald Trump ordered a rapid U.S. operation that removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife from the country in the early hours of the morning.
The pair are now expected to face trial in the United States on charges including narco-trafficking. The move deprived Moscow of one of its closest allies in South America and triggered an angry response from the Kremlin.
Russian officials condemned Maduro’s removal as “an act of armed aggression” and described the situation as deeply concerning.
Oil fears spread
Beyond official statements, unease has spread across Russian online spaces. Commentators have warned that U.S. influence over Venezuelan oil could destabilise global energy markets and undercut Russia’s export-driven economy.
A Russian military blogger described the situation as a “nightmare”, warning that falling oil prices could make extraction unprofitable and cause severe economic damage.
The blogger suggested the loss of Venezuelan control could be catastrophic for Russia’s long-term prospects, according to reporting cited by the Daily Express.
Oligarch warning
Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska also raised alarms. Writing on Telegram, he warned that American access to Venezuelan oil fields could give Washington control over a vast share of global reserves.
Deripaska suggested such dominance could allow the U.S. to cap oil prices at levels that would hurt Russian state capitalism and weaken its economic model. His comments reflected broader elite concern about price pressure and market power.
Kremlin anxiety
Russia’s economy is heavily dependent on energy exports, making oil price stability critical. Analysts say fears of a prolonged price slump have heightened sensitivity to any geopolitical shifts that might increase supply or weaken Russia’s leverage.
The loss of Venezuela as a strategic partner has been portrayed by some pro-Kremlin voices as a failure of leadership, with unusually harsh language circulating online.
Trump’s stance
Trump said the U.S. would govern Venezuela temporarily “until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition”.
He argued that Washington could not risk another leadership taking power without acting in the interests of the Venezuelan people.
As markets and governments react, Russia’s response highlights how the fallout from Venezuela’s upheaval is being felt far beyond its borders.
Sources: Daily Mirror, Daily Express
