Concerning actual warfare, the Kremlin disregards its persona as a “guardian” of autocratic governments and limits itself to insubstantial declarations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro / © TSN.ua
The assurances of security from Russia exist merely in principle. Engaged in conflict with Ukraine, Moscow consistently declines to aid its associates, even when their administrations are at risk of complete downfall.
This assertion is made in an article by BILD military analyst Julian Röpke.
Venezuela: A Recent Instance of Abandonment
Putin’s actions during the US endeavor to depose Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro have been telling. Russia has been supplying Venezuela with armaments for years, trading warplanes and anti-aircraft systems. Just weeks prior, a Russian military team traveled to Caracas.
However, when the assault commenced, the head of the Kremlin, according to Röpke, “feigned ignorance and inaction.”
“Following the removal and detention of Maduro, Putin offered no vocal endorsement, delegating commentary to Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Military assistance to the “primary partner” in South America was out of the question,” the reporter observes.
Record of Prior Letdowns
Roepke pointed out that Venezuela isn’t the only one on this roster of deserted partners.
Iran (2025)
When Israel targeted Iran’s missile and atomic projects, Moscow, despite numerous collaborative agreements, stayed uninvolved. Putin, as the author writes, “discarded the ayatollah like a burning object.”
Syria (2024)
During the insurgent push, Bashar al-Assad’s forces, equipped by Russians, relinquished Damascus quickly. Putin, possessing a military installation in Syria, did not step in. The sole item he proposed to the head of state was sanctuary in Moscow, and that “at his own expense.”
Armenia (2020)
When Azerbaijan started action in Nagorno-Karabakh, Yerevan requested support within the arrangement of the CSTO. Russia disregarded the plea of its “nearest partner in the area.” This resulted in the Armenians’ defeat and the near breakdown of the CSTO.
Conclusion: Toothless Giant
Julian Röpke concludes: the military strength that Russia presents to its allies is merely an illusion.
“After becoming tied up in a conflict against Ukraine, the Kremlin isn’t upholding any of its military duties relating to mutual aid and is deserting one ally after another,” the analyst specifies.
As a reminder, the NYT scrutinized why Putin “accepted” Maduro’s capture and is silent regarding the detention of tankers from his “covert fleet.” Correspondents are confident that Putin is purposely making sacrifices to avert confrontation with Trump. His sole objective is triumph in Ukraine, for the sake of which he is prepared to endure affronts in Latin America.
Source: tsn.ua