The Russian Federation expressed concern about the increase in the United States military presence in the Caribbean, especially on the coasts near Venezuela.
During a speech before the UN Security Council, the deputy permanent representative of Russia, Dmitri Polianski, warned of a “dangerous escalation” in the region and denounced attacks on vessels under the argument of fighting drug trafficking.
Russian proposal in the Security Council
Polianski reported that during Russia’s rotating presidency of the Security Council in October, a draft presidential statement was presented aimed at addressing the situation. The text proposed:
- A call for moderation and dialogue
- The reaffirmation of Latin America as a zone of peace
- Multilateral cooperation against drug trafficking and organized crime
According to the diplomat, the proposal was rejected by only one member of the Council, which prevented its adoption.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Sergei Ryabkov, pointed out that Moscow maintains permanent communication with Caracas through various channels. He indicated that Russian specialists collaborate with Venezuelan institutions on issues of common interest.
Riabkov also questioned the US military deployment in the southern Caribbeanwhich he described as a factor of regional tension. In his statement, he cited reports from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the US State Department itself, which in the past would have recognized the absence of consolidated drug trafficking structures in Venezuela.
Call for diplomacy and warning of consequences
Russia reiterated its rejection of unilateral actions and what it considers a refusal to resolve disputes through diplomatic channels.
Polianski warned that those who rule out dialogue as a resolution mechanism will be responsible for the consequences that may arise from an increase in tensions.
