The recent US operation in Venezuela was a notable special forces action that resulted in Nicolás Maduro being brought to the United States. This swift event is expected to have long-term repercussions.
It is important to clarify that comparing this to Russia's invasion of Ukraine is incorrect. While both formally violate international law, the US operation aimed to capture Maduro, not eliminate Venezuelan statehood. Moreover, most of the civilized world did not recognize Maduro as the legitimate president due to alleged election fraud and crackdowns on the opposition.
Russia, which previously referred to Venezuela as a reliable partner, ultimately provided no assistance, effectively abandoning Maduro. This prompted sarcastic international commentary on Moscow's position.
According to public statements by Donald Trump, the US is seeking access to Venezuelan oil, rehabilitation of the oil infrastructure, and involvement of major US corporations. However, controlling Venezuela without a loyal government remains a challenge.
The operation received criticism from Russia, which denounced interference in sovereign nations, despite its own breaches of international law, notably since its 2014 aggression toward Ukraine.
In summary, these developments highlight the collapse of the post-World War II world order and the need for new international frameworks. Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine and its setbacks are reducing its global influence. Supporting the Ukrainian army remains a key factor for the country’s independence struggle.
