“Political slap in face for Putin”: US operation in Venezuela threatens Russia’s oil revenues and its war funding, says expert

The events in Venezuela could have far-reaching consequences, from global politics to oil markets and Russia’s ability to finance its war, says Andrii Ryzhenko, a Ukrainian military expert, KYIV24 reports. 

"A political slap in the face for Putin": Russia loses a key foothold

According to Ryzhenko, the fall of Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro's regime represents a powerful geopolitical signal.

“The removal of the Maduro regime by the Americans is a political slap in the face for Putin,” the military expert stresses.

For years, Russia invested resources, political capital, and diplomatic support into Venezuela. Now, that foothold has been lost, reportedly as a result of a swift operation carried out by an elite US special forces unit.

The world’s largest oil reserves: why this hits Russia’s economy

Ryzhenko notes that the main threat to Russia is not only political, but also economic. Venezuela holds the largest proven oil reserves in the world, and a change of regime could dramatically reshape the global energy market.

The potential lifting of sanctions and the return of Venezuelan oil to global markets could lead to a further decline in oil prices.

This would directly hit Russia, as oil revenues remain a key source of funding for its war against Ukraine.

Where is Maduro, and why is Washington now facing questions?

In the wake of the developments, US officials have recalled that Nicolás Maduro and his wife were previously indicted. The US Attorney General has stated that the couple may be involved in international drug trafficking.

At the same time, Venezuelan authorities claim they have no information about Maduro’s whereabouts, per the Clash Report. Officials in Caracas are demanding immediate proof from the US that Maduro and his wife are alive and safe.