There is a point of view that for a constructive position on Venezuela, Russia can expect reciprocal steps from the US regarding Ukraine. This view appears mistaken, political analyst Alexander Friedman believes .
Donald Trump. Photo: AP Photo/Alex Brandon
What can Moscow offer Americans in Venezuela? It's unlikely that the current Venezuelan authorities seriously rely on Moscow, which helped ensure Maduro's security — with a well-known outcome. If they do hope for any of Maduro's allies, it's more likely China.
From Trump's point of view, Russia (along with Maduro) is being pushed out of a region where there is no place for it. In the case of Ukraine, Trump is already meeting Russia halfway anyway, while compromise options — very unpleasant for Ukraine — are precisely rejected by Moscow.
In the context of the 'right of the strong,' which guides Washington, what matters are not words, but deeds. Trump talks a lot, but he also acts — be it a strike on the Iranian nuclear facility in Fordow, the story of freeing Israeli hostages, sanctions against the Russian oil industry, or the kidnapping of Maduro. His actions evoke not only fear and hatred, but also respect among allies and adversaries.
And what can Moscow boast about? Medvedev's chatter about abducting Merz? Gerasimov's fourth 'capture' of Kupyansk? Constant nuclear threats? The annexation of four Ukrainian regions that the Kremlin has failed to fully occupy in four years of full-scale war?
So Putin should not count on more favorable proposals. They are made to the strong — but not in words, but in deeds.
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