Russia Pushes Back Against Trump’s Claims on Venezuela’s Oil

Post by : Saif Nasser

Russia has firmly rejected claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump that the United States now controls Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. Russian officials said the oil assets developed by Russian companies in Venezuela legally belong to Russia and will continue operating as before.

The statement came after Trump publicly said the United States would take control of Venezuela’s oil industry and work with U.S. companies there. These remarks followed the arrest and jailing of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Trump has accused Maduro of serious crimes and described him as a dictator.

In response, Russia’s state-owned oil company Roszarubezhneft said all of its assets in Venezuela are owned by the Russian state. The company stressed that its operations follow Venezuelan laws, international rules, and agreements signed between the two countries. It also said it would continue working with its partners in Venezuela.

Roszarubezhneft was created in 2020 after U.S. sanctions were imposed on parts of Russia’s oil giant Rosneft for trading Venezuelan oil. To protect its interests, Russia transferred its Venezuelan oil holdings to the new company, which is linked to Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development.

Russia and Venezuela have been close partners for many years. Their relationship covers oil and gas projects, military cooperation, and political support. Moscow has often defended Venezuela on the global stage and backed its government during times of pressure from Western countries.

Last year, Venezuela’s National Assembly approved a 15-year extension of joint oil projects between the country’s state oil company PDVSA and Roszarubezhneft. These projects operate oil fields in western Venezuela and are seen as important for both nations.

Russia’s foreign ministry has also called for dialogue over confrontation. While President Vladimir Putin has not spoken publicly about Maduro’s arrest, Russian officials have urged the United States to avoid further escalation and seek peaceful solutions.

The dispute highlights growing tensions over energy, power, and influence in Latin America. Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, making it a key target in global energy politics. As the United States, Russia, and other powers compete for influence, Venezuela remains at the center of a complex and high-stakes struggle.