Venezuela and U.S. Policy

The Kremlin said Vladimir Putin spoke by phone with Nicolás Maduro on Thursday and pledged support for Venezuela “in the face of growing external pressure,” discussing a strategic partnership and joint projects in energy and the economy. The call came a day after the U.S. seized a sanctioned oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast in a DOJ‑led operation confirmed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, as Washington ramps up military activity and sanctions enforcement targeting Maduro’s oil sector.