Uncertain Alliances: Maduro Faces Isolation as Trump Intensifies Pressure on Venezuela

Sat Dec 20 2025 12:22:46 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As the Trump administration ramps up military actions aimed at Venezuela, longtime allies Russia and China exhibit hesitation to provide concrete support, leaving Nicolás Maduro in a precarious position.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro finds himself increasingly isolated as allies Russia and China offer only symbolic gestures amidst heightened U.S. military intervention in the Caribbean. Experts suggest that both nations are prioritizing their own interests and challenges over Venezuelan support, especially in light of Maduro's dwindling internal backing and allegations of election fraud. As U.S. forces target alleged drug trafficking operations near Venezuelan waters, skepticism looms over Maduro's future and the reliability of his allies.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro could be forgiven for wondering who his true friends are.

Once rock solid, his reliance on his two main allies - China and Russia - now appears increasingly uncertain.

For years, both countries supported Venezuela's socialist-led government politically, financially and militarily - a relationship that began under former President Hugo Chávez, Maduro's mentor and predecessor.

But experts say that backing now seems to be largely symbolic, with statements being given in support rather than concrete military or financial aid.

This shift comes as the US has deployed air and naval forces - including a nuclear-powered submarine, spy planes and 15,000 troops - to the Caribbean.

The US has conducted strikes on boats in the region that it alleges are smuggling drugs, killing more than 80 people, and in recent days, it seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela.

The Trump administration has said the military build-up and strikes are targeting drug trafficking, and the tanker had been sanctioned. But many experts - and Maduro himself - believe Washington's real goal is regime change.

Prof Fernando Reyes Matta, director of the Centre for China Studies at Andrés Bello University in Chile, argues that Venezuela has become a far lower priority for both Beijing and Moscow, especially since US President Donald Trump returned to the White House.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has poured enormous resources into the conflict, straining both its finances and its military.

This leaves fewer resources for allies that previously benefited from Kremlin support, says Prof Vladimir Rouvinski, the director of the Laboratory of Politics and International Relations (PoInt) at Icesi University in Colombia.

Maduro's appeal for military assistance was reportedly not met with strong responses. Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov emphasized support but urged against escalating the crisis.

Like Moscow, Beijing has shown no sign it would militarily defend Venezuela. It's using diplomatic expressions of concern rather than significant military support.

Experts assert that both China and Russia are unwilling to risk further sanctions or tariffs for a government facing severe internal legitimacy issues, especially after allegations of fraudulent elections.

The situation leaves Maduro increasingly isolated as he navigates potential regime change under growing U.S. pressures.