Russia and China Condemn US “Extortion and Bullying” against Venezuela
DID Press: Russia and China, at an emergency session of the UNSC, accused the United States of “cowboy behavior” and “intimidation” for applying military and economic pressure against Venezuela, describing Washington’s actions as a clear violation of international law.
The session was convened at Venezuela’s request, with support from Moscow and Beijing. Venezuela’s representative to the UN stated that the country is facing “the greatest extortion in history” and that the U.S. is attempting to undermine its sovereignty through military pressure.
Recently, the United States has deployed extensive military forces in the Caribbean Sea and seized oil tankers, effectively imposing a maritime blockade on Venezuela—an action Washington justifies under the framework of sanctions.
Meanwhile, Russia described the blockade as an “aggressive act.” Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s ambassador to the UN, said: “U.S. actions contradict all fundamental principles of international law, and the catastrophic consequences of such cowboy behavior fall squarely on Washington.”
China’s representative also condemned “unilateralism and coercion” and reaffirmed Beijing’s support for the sovereignty and national dignity of states.
In response, Mike Waltz, the U.S. ambassador to the UN, emphasized that the United States will “use all its capabilities to protect the Western Hemisphere, its borders, and the American people.” U.S. President Donald Trump has accused the Venezuelan government of using oil revenues to fund “drug trafficking and terrorism,” allegations that Caracas denies.
Venezuelan officials said the U.S.’s primary objective is to overthrow Nicolás Maduro’s government and gain control over the country’s vast oil reserves. Independent experts also note that credible evidence for the organized network claimed by the U.S. has not been presented. Since September, U.S. airstrikes targeting boats allegedly involved in drug trafficking have resulted in over 100 deaths.