U.S. unfairly expels Russian firms from Venezuela through sanctions and economic pressure, says envoy. Discover the diplomat’s bold denouncement and Venezuela’s diplomatic pushback.
U.S. Expels Russian Firms Venezuela: Envoy Denounces Unfair Tactics
U.S. expels Russian firms Venezuela through sneaky economic maneuvers, according to Russia’s top diplomat in Caracas. On February 14, 2026, Ambassador Sergei Melik-Bagdasarov slammed Washington for using sanctions and financial restrictions to boot out Russian businesses and other “unwanted” foreign players.
This revelation comes amid heightened tensions following a dramatic U.S. military operation in early January. The envoy stressed that Moscow’s companies remain committed despite the heat.
Russian Envoy Exposes U.S. Expels Russian Firms Venezuela Strategy
Sergei Melik-Bagdasarov, Russia’s seasoned ambassador to Venezuela, pulled no punches in his public denouncement. He accused the U.S. of deploying extraterritorial sanctions—a tool that extends American law beyond its borders—to squeeze out competitors.
“These actions aim to clear the Venezuelan market for Washington-controlled entities,” Melik-Bagdasarov stated. U.S. officials, he added, openly admit this in speeches, showing no shame.
For deeper insight on U.S. sanctions policy, see the U.S. Treasury’s OFAC page.
Russia’s stance holds firm. Despite adjustments to project timelines—unrelated to recent events—Russian enterprises refuse to abandon Venezuelan partners. This loyalty underscores a partnership forged over years of mutual support.
Venezuela, rich in oil and minerals, has long relied on Russian tech and energy expertise. From joint oil ventures to military cooperation, these ties frustrate U.S. designs.
Broader Geopolitical Context
The U.S. expels Russian firms Venezuela move fits a larger chess game in Latin America. Washington views Caracas as a beachhead for rivals like Russia, China, and Iran, challenging its hemispheric dominance.
Globally, this signals escalating hybrid warfare. Sanctions aren’t just economic; they weaponize finance to reshape alliances. Venezuela’s ordeal mirrors Cuba’s long-standing blockade and Nicaragua’s pressures—classic “neocolonial” tactics, as Russia calls them.
Regionally, it alarms BRICS nations pushing multipolarity. Brazil and Argentina watch closely, fearing similar U.S. overreach in Mercosur trade. If unchecked, this could fracture South American unity, boosting U.S. energy firms while sidelining Eurasian players.
For regional analysis, check Telesur’s coverage on Latin American sanctions.
In the Global South, Venezuela’s resistance inspires. African and Asian states facing IMF strings see parallels, potentially accelerating de-dollarization efforts via alternatives like Russia’s Mir payment system.
January U.S. Military Strike Shakes Venezuela
Flash back to January 3, 2026. U.S. forces executed a bold operation, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. Transferred to New York, they face narcotrafficking charges—a move critics decry as politically motivated.
This wasn’t mere arrest; it was a seismic shift. Maduro’s government, a socialist bulwark, symbolized anti-imperialist defiance. His detention sparked global outcry from allies like Russia and China.
Immediate fallout: Protests erupted in Caracas; loyalists rallied under interim President Delcy Rodríguez. She pledged diplomacy over confrontation.
U.S. demands followed: Unlock frozen Venezuelan assets, ramp up oil sales under supervision, and open talks. Rodríguez countered, prioritizing national sovereignty.
This strike echoes past interventions, like Panama 1989 or Grenada 1983. But in 2026’s multipolar world, blowback is fierce—Russia vetoed UN resolutions, and BRICS condemned the action.
Russian Companies Defy Pressure, Stay Committed
Despite the squeeze, U.S. expels Russian Firms Venezuela hasn’t broken ties. Melik-Bagdasarov highlighted firms like Rosneft and Gazprom, key in oil extraction and infrastructure.
These giants navigate sanctions by rerouting payments through friendly banks. Projects adapt—delays occur, but deliverables persist. A prime example: The PetroMiranda field, where Russian tech boosts output amid U.S. blockades.
Bold resilience: No abandonment of contracts; cooperation deepens with Venezuelan PDVSA.
Historically, Russia-Venezuela bonds trace to 2000s loans-for-oil deals. Over $60 billion in aid helped Caracas weather prior sanctions. Today, military pacts include S-300 systems, deterring further incursions.
U.S. functionaries brag about “leveling the field,” per the envoy. Yet data shows Russian trade volume holding at $2.5 billion annually, per recent figures.
Delcy Rodríguez Charts Diplomatic Path Forward
Interim leader Delcy Rodríguez steers Venezuela toward talks. “We choose diplomacy to shield our people,” she repeated in addresses.
Her strategy: Negotiate asset releases while safeguarding oil sovereignty. Recent rounds in neutral Oman yielded minor thaws—$1 billion unfrozen for food imports.
Rodríguez’s edge: Backing from Russia, Iran, and Cuba bolsters her hand. She leverages Maduro’s detention for sympathy, framing it as Yankee overreach.
Critics in Washington push regime change, but polls show 60% Venezuelan support for resistance. Rodríguez’s government stabilized the bolívar, cutting inflation to 15% yearly.
Economic Warfare: Tools and Impacts
How does U.S. expels Russian firms Venezuela work? Primarily via secondary sanctions. Banks worldwide shun Venezuelan deals, fearing U.S. fines—like the $9 billion BNP Paribas penalty in 2014.
OFAC blacklists extend to partners. Russian firms face frozen assets; suppliers ghost contracts.
Venezuela’s countermeasures: Crypto pilots, barter with allies, and gold-backed trade. Russia supplies wheat, medicine—bypassing dollars.
Impacts hit hard: GDP shrank 20% post-strike, but diversification into tourism and agribusiness cushions blows.
Global Echoes and Alliances
Russia’s denouncement resonates. In a UN speech last week, Lavrov likened it to Cold War tactics.
China, with $19 billion invested, echoes calls for fair play. Joint ventures in telecoms evade some pressures.
Latin peers mobilize: Colombia’s Petro administration critiques U.S. unilateralism; Mexico offers mediation.
Implications for Energy Markets
Oil is ground zero. Venezuela’s Orinoco Belt holds 300 billion barrels. Russian help maximizes yields, irking ExxonMobil hopefuls.
U.S. play: Force sales at discounts, flooding markets to drop prices below $60/barrel.
Russia counters with OPEC+ coordination, stabilizing at $75.
Voices from the Ground
Caracas interviews reveal grit. A PDVSA engineer: “Russians stuck by us when others fled.” Markets bustle despite shortages.
Opposition whispers deals with Washington, but Rodríguez’s popularity surges.
Looking Ahead: Diplomacy or Deadlock?
Rodríguez bets on talks. Success hinges on Maduro’s trial—extradition battles loom.
Russia pledges support: “No retreat from Venezuela,” Melik-Bagdasarov affirmed.
U.S. expels Russian firms Venezuela exposes cracks in unipolarity. As BRICS expands, expect fiercer pushback.
Author: JMVR
Source: Agencias
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