Nicolás Maduro, captured by the U.S. Army in early January, is likely to be pardoned, according to former Russian President Dmitri Medvedev. Medvedev stated the pardon could come from current U.S. President Donald Trump or his successor, as expressed in a column published in RIA Nóvosti.
Medvedev’s Defense of Maduro
Medvedev, currently the Vice President of the Russian Security Council, argues that the United States’ actions against the Venezuelan leader are unlawful. He asserts Washington lacks a legal basis for the use of military force in Venezuela, stating the U.S. lacked a legitimate defense justification.
Medvedev also defends Maduro’s innocence before the U.S. justice system, claiming international law does not recognize transnational drug trafficking as grounds to remove a head of state’s immunity.
He further contends that comparing Maduro’s capture to Russia’s military actions in Ukraine in 2022 is a mistake. Medvedev characterizes Russia’s actions in Ukraine not as a “colonial war,” but as an act of “legitimate defense,” even describing the conflict as a “civil war” stemming from the dissolution of the USSR.
Medvedev’s commentary extends to accusations against the United States, alleging a plan to establish a “technato”—a technologically-driven society led by figures like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel—dominating the Americas from Venezuela to Canada and even Greenland.
Russian Support for Maduro
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also called for Maduro and his wife, captured on January 3rd, to be released, reaffirming support for Venezuelan authorities. The Russian Communist Party recently announced the formation of a committee dedicated to advocating for Maduro’s release.
Despite the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ condemnation, Russian President Vladimir Putin has not openly criticized the United States’ actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dmitri Medvedev’s current role?
Dmitri Medvedev is the Vice President of the Russian Security Council.
What specific legal argument does Medvedev make regarding Maduro’s capture?
Medvedev argues that the United States lacked a legitimate basis for using military force in Venezuela and that international law does not consider drug trafficking sufficient grounds to remove a head of state’s immunity.
What is the “technato” that Medvedev accuses the U.S. of pursuing?
According to Medvedev, the “technato” is a technologically-driven society led by leaders like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, intended to dominate the Americas from Venezuela to Canada and Greenland.
Given the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, what impact might continued Russian support have on the future of U.S.-Venezuela relations?
