Marco Rubio Says Russia's 'Rhetorical Support' Of Venezuela Does Not Influence The Campaign Against The Maduro Regime

The remark comes days after Moscow cautioned Washington about making a "fatal mistake" in its campaign, adding that the blockade of sanctioned oil tankers poses a "threat to international shipping."

"We hope that the D. Trump administration, which is characterized by a rational and pragmatic approach, will not make a fatal mistake," the ministry added in a statement.

Moreover, Moscow also warned Washington about making a move that could have "unpredictable consequences for the entire Western Hemisphere," noting that the country supports "the Maduro government's course."

The White House had already said last week that Trump is not concerned about Russia's support for Venezuela. Speaking after Nicolas Maduro and Vladimir Putin had a phone call, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, "I don't think that would be concerning to the president at all."

The Kremlin said Putin used the call to "reaffirm his support" for Maduro's policies and to express solidarity with the Venezuelan people. According to the Kremlin, both leaders restated their commitment to joint economic, energy, and financial projects.

Regional analysts have also said the countries' support may be largely symbolic. Days before the call was reported, BBC Mundo published a sprawling report in which it quoted Fernando Reyes Matta, director of the Center for China Studies at Universidad Andrés Bello, who said Maduro "has little time left" and that Russian and Chinese backing today exists "beyond certain rhetorical statements."

Reyes Matta said neither government appears willing to provide the kind of military assistance seen in past crises, citing Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine and China's effort to stabilize relations with the United States.