Russia v. Trump Regime on Venezuela

by Stephen Lendman (stephenlendman.org - Home - Stephen Lendman)

Deepening Russian/Venezuelan ties are crucial - key to defeating the Trump regime's aim to topple Maduro, eliminate Bolivarian social democracy, and transform Venezuela into another US vassal state.

For Trump regime hardliners, it's all about gaining control over the country's oil reserves, the world's largest, its other valued resources, along with eliminating the hemisphere's preeminent democracy Republicans and undemocratic Dems abhor everywhere, especially at home.

By its actions and remarks, discussed in a same-day article and others, Russian officials affirmed their intentions to deepen ties to Maduro's government - refusing to bow to unacceptable Trump regime demands, undeterred by its warnings and threats.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova denounced "the provocative activities of the impostor" Guaido, affirming Kremlin support for "legitimate" Venezuelan authorities.

She accused the Trump regime of stoking instability and chaos in the country. Moscow long ago stopped paying attention to US threats, she stressed, adding:

"To tell Russia to 'get out of Venezuela' is going completely over the top. This is total boorishness on a global scale." There are no "legal let alone moral" grounds for Trump regime demands.

Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow will defend its interests in Venezuela with "all mechanisms available to us."

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said he and Maduro's Oil Minister Manuel Quevedo will discuss ways of increasing Venezuelan oil exports to circumvent (illegal) US sanctions when both officials meet in Moscow next week.

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodrigues reported their upcoming meeting, saying it's to "complete the transfer of PDVSA's office from Lisbon to (the Russian capital). Besides, we are planning to move here the office of the company dealing with iron and aluminum," she added.

Earlier, Rodriguez denounced the appointment of Elliot Abrams as Trump regime point man for toppling Maduro, saying:

"As far as (the US) operation against Venezuela is concerned, it's headed by a person experienced in such kind of sabotage, a person who repeatedly spoke against legal governments, Mr. Abrams," adding: 

"There are certain plans, certain steps aimed at creation of illegal armed groups according to the US tradition, creation of terror groups. The whole world knows it's doing that. It's not a secret. The US supports such extremist illegal terror groups to destabilize the world."

Sergey Lavrov commented on the scheme, saying "(w)e are concerned about the US plans to arm militants to destabilize the situation in Venezuela and, strictly speaking, to invade this sovereign country, as the US does not hesitate to speak openly about it," adding:

Weeks earlier, "President Nicolas Maduro held an official visit to Russia, and new agreements were signed. Now we are preparing to expand our cooperation (with) new agreements and to implement the existing 264 deals."

At the same time, Rodriquez said Venezuela "will continue strengthening our relations with Russia. We will expand our trade opportunities and launch new mechanisms. President Nicolas Maduro has given clear instructions. We will purchase products and medicines that our people need from Russia."

Plans are also to launch domestic production "of all the necessary things" with Moscow's help.

On Friday, Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport said the company "and other Russian organizations partaking in the Russian-Venezuelan military-technical cooperation, remain committed to deepening partnership with the defense ministry and other government bodies of Venezuela."

Focus is on supplying the country's military with weapons, training, a well as servicing hardware exports to Venezuela. Russia built a new helicopter training center in the Bolivarian Republic - designed to train Venezuelan pilots in the use of Russian Mi-17 and Mi-26 transport and Mi-35 attack helicopters, as well as other hardware.

Russian/Bolivarian Republic ties began in 2001, deepening over the years, both countries cooperating with each other politically, economically, financially, and in trade relations.

Commenting on bilateral ties, Russia official in Caracas as its embassy Alexey Seredin said relations "between (both countries) are excellent. At the moment, we are working to strengthen cooperation." 

Maduro officials will discuss further Russian investments in Moscow next week - in Venezuela's oil, mining, agricultural, and transport sectors.

Russian military personnel and equipment sent to Caracas last Saturday was all about helping to maintain Venezuelan defense capabilities, including use of Russian aircraft, helicopters, air defense systems, and other military hardware.

Plans are to produce some Russian military equipment in the country. Moscow is resolute in relations with Maduro, supporting his call for hands off Venezuela, Putin earlier saying:

"Destructive interference from abroad blatantly violates basic norms of international law." His spokesman Dmitry Peskov said "(w)e consider the attempt to usurp the top power in Venezuela as going against the foundations and principles of the international law."

Sergey Lavrov accused the Trump regime of illegally interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs, adding by "recogniz(ing) (Guaido as) self-proclaimed president…they played a direct role" in creating destabilizing conditions.

Irreconcilable Russian/US positions on Venezuela virtually assures further deterioration in bilateral relations - upping the stakes for potential East/West confrontation.

What's unthinkable between the world's dominant nuclear powers may happen by accident or design. 

Trump regime extremists in charge of its geopolitical agenda are over-the-top enough to risk possible nuclear war, the ultimate doomsday scenario if things go too far.

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