Russia and China Condemn US Actions Against Venezuela at UN Security Council
New York, December 24, 2025 – In a heated emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, Russia and China launched sharp criticisms of the United States over its escalating military and economic pressure on Venezuela, including the recent “blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers and seizures of vessels carrying Venezuelan crude.
The meeting, convened at Venezuela’s request and supported by permanent members Russia and China, highlighted growing international divisions amid US President Donald Trump’s aggressive policy toward the government of Nicolás Maduro.
US Escalation Sparks Global Concern
The controversy stems from Trump’s December 16 announcement of a “total and complete blockade” targeting all US-sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. The move followed the seizure of at least two tankers by US forces, including the Panama-flagged Centuries on December 20, which Venezuelan officials denounced as “international piracy.”
Trump justified the actions by accusing Maduro’s regime of using oil revenues to fund drug trafficking, terrorism, and other crimes. The US has designated Venezuela’s alleged “Cartel de los Soles” – described as involving high-ranking officials including Maduro – as a foreign terrorist organization, labeling Maduro a “fugitive from American justice.”
A significant US military buildup in the Caribbean, involving 15,000 troops, 11 warships, and airstrikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels, has further heightened tensions. Analysts note that while framed as anti-narcotics enforcement, the operations risk being seen as acts of aggression under international law.
Russia and China Rally Behind Venezuela
Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia warned that the US intervention could set a “template for future acts of force against Latin American states,” citing Trump’s national security strategy emphasizing US dominance in the Western Hemisphere. He described US conduct as “cowboy-like” and potentially leading to “catastrophic consequences.”
China’s deputy representative echoed these sentiments, accusing the US of “seriously violating international law,” infringing on Venezuela’s sovereignty, and destabilizing the region. Beijing opposes unilateral sanctions and bullying tactics, affirming support for Venezuela’s right to independent development.
Venezuelan Ambassador Samuel Moncada called the US campaign “the greatest extortion in history,” alleging it aims to seize control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves – the world’s largest proven reserves.
US Defends Actions as Necessary Enforcement
US Ambassador Mike Waltz defended the measures, stating that transnational criminal groups linked to Venezuela pose the “single most serious threat” to the hemisphere. He emphasized that sanctions and enforcement would continue “to the maximum extent” to deprive Maduro of resources allegedly funding narco-terrorism.
Waltz rejected claims of aggression, framing the tanker interceptions as lawful actions against sanctioned vessels.
The standoff has raised fears of wider instability in Latin America and potential disruptions to global oil supplies, though markets remain well-supplied for now. Venezuela’s crude exports have sharply declined since the seizures began, impacting its economy heavily reliant on oil revenue.
While Russia and China have voiced strong rhetorical support, experts suggest their backing remains largely symbolic, with no indications of direct military or substantial financial aid amid their own geopolitical priorities.
As tensions simmer, the international community watches closely for signs of de-escalation or further confrontation in this renewed chapter of US-Venezuela relations.
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