The rapid action of the United States in Venezuela changes the balance of power. Putin is counting his losses. Billions, oil and influence are at stake
According to Reuters calculations, in 2006-2017 the Kremlin allocated a total of $17 billion. (PLN 61 billion) to the Venezuelan government, as well as the state oil company PDVSA.
First funds – $2.2 billion. (PLN 7,912 million) — went to Maduro's predecessor, Hugo Chavez, who in 2009 concluded a contract for the purchase of Russian weapons. It included, among others: purchase of T-72 tanks and S-300 anti-aircraft systems.
After eight years Venezuela already owed Moscow $3.5 billion. (PLN 12,587 million)which she could not return due to the economic crisis and sanctions.
In 2017, Vladimir Putin and Maduro agreed to defer the repayment of this loan for 10 years, with the principal amount to be repaid in 2024-27. After the recent events, the Kremlin was filled with fear.
At the end of the first decade of the 21st century, the Russian company Rosneft became Maduro's main lender in return, he received shares in large oil extraction projects in Venezuela. According to Reuters sources, Maduro's government used Russian money to avoid default by paying the Kremlin with oil that Rosneft resold on the world market.
In 2020, after imposing sanctions on PDVSA, Rosneft sold all assets in Venezuela to a specially created state structure, Rosharubezhneft, wholly owned by the state.
The article continues below the video
Now the fate of Venezuela's oil fields ended up in the hands of Donald Trump's administrationwho accused Venezuela of “stealing” oil from the United States. “We built the Venezuelan oil industry with American talent, energy and skill, and the socialist regime stole it from us,” Trump said. He added that the United States intends to rebuild Venezuela's infrastructure and “sell a lot of oil” to other countries as well.
According to Trump, the operation in Venezuela it won't cause problems with Russia. He also claims that he “never” discussed Maduro's fate with Putin.
“Putin is terrified and outraged”
The lightning-fast U.S. operation, which lasted only about half an hour, according to the Associated Press, sparked a restrained reaction in Moscow. Russia limited itself only to a diplomatic statement. The Foreign Ministry expressed “deep concern” over the US attacks on Venezuelan territory and “serious concern” over the capture of Maduro and his wife.
“The United States has committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela. This causes deep concern and condemnation. The pretexts given to justify such actions are unacceptable. Ideological hostility outweighed business pragmatism and the readiness to build relationships based on trust and predictability,” the Russian ministry said in a statement.
US President Donald Trump during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, January 3, 2026.Jim Watson/AFP / AFP
It also demanded that the US release Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who face life imprisonment in the United States.
— On the one hand, Putin, as an authoritarian dictator, identifies with Maduro – and in this sense he is outraged and terrified, and on the other hand, as the leader of a country aspiring to the status of a superpower, he identifies with Trump – and in this respect he now envies him very much – says Abbas Galiamov, a Russian political scientist and former speechwriter of Putin.
In his opinion, very difficult days are ahead for the Russian leaders from the so-called force block. — There will be many cries of “why can they do it and you can't?” – adds Galiamov.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
