When discussing actual warfare, the Kremlin neglects its facade as a “guardian” of autocratic governments, restricting itself to hollow pronouncements.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro / © TSN.ua
Russian security assurances are merely theoretical. Currently involved in a conflict with Ukraine, Moscow consistently declines to aid its associates, even as their governments face complete obliteration.
This is highlighted in a piece by BILD military reporter Julian Röpke.
Venezuela: A Recent Instance of Deception
Putin's actions during the US endeavor to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro have been illustrative. For years, Russia has been channeling weaponry into Venezuela, supplying combat aircraft and air defense platforms. Just a few weeks prior, a Russian military contingent traveled to Caracas.
However, once the offensive commenced, the Kremlin’s chief, according to Röpke, “feigned ignorance, muteness, and deafness.”
“Following Maduro’s removal and detention, Putin offered no supportive remarks, delegating commentary to Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. There’s hardly a need to even mention military backing for the “premier partner” in South America,” the journalist observes.
Record of Past Letdowns
Roepke remembered that Venezuela is not the first instance in this catalog of betrayed confederates.
Iran (2025)
When Israel targeted Iran's missile and atomic programs, Moscow, notwithstanding multiple collaboration pacts, remained inactive. Putin, as the reporter pens, “abandoned the ayatollah like a burning object.”
Syria (2024)
During the insurgent surge, Bashar al-Assad's forces, outfitted by Russians, relinquished Damascus in a matter of days. Putin, who maintained a military installation in Syria, did not step in. His sole offering to the autocrat was sanctuary in Moscow, and that “at his personal expense.”
Armenia (2020)
When Azerbaijan initiated a campaign in Nagorno-Karabakh, Yerevan sought assistance under the framework of the CSTO. Russia disregarded the plea of its “closest companion in the area.” This resulted in the Armenians’ defeat and the near downfall of the CSTO.
Conclusion: An Illusion of Strength
Julian Röpke concludes: the military might that Russia “patronizingly” extends to its allies is an illusion.
“Having become mired in a battle against Ukraine, the Kremlin is failing to uphold any of its military commitments regarding reciprocal aid and is forsaking ally after ally,” the reporter asserts.
As a reminder, the NYT examined why Putin “accepted” Maduro’s apprehension and is silent about the detainment of tankers from his “covert fleet.” Journalists are convinced that Putin is purposely making concessions to avert a confrontation with Trump. His singular objective is triumph in Ukraine, for whose sake he is prepared to endure indignities in Latin America.