Russia is bracing for potential turmoil in global oil markets after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a military operation that led to the capture of Venezuela’s long-time leader Nicolás Maduro, according to reports.
Moscow’s concern extends beyond the loss of a key political ally for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The greater fear is that Venezuela’s vast oil reserves could now fall under U.S. influence, potentially flooding global markets and driving prices down.
Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, exceeding those of Saudi Arabia.
Yet years of mismanagement and U.S. sanctions have left much of that oil untapped, keeping exports far below those of major producers such as Russia or Gulf states.
For Moscow, this situation was advantageous.
With Venezuelan oil largely locked out of global markets, supply remained constrained and prices higher, supporting Russia’s oil-dependent budget. That calculation could now change rapidly.
U.S. President Donald Trump has openly stated that U.S. energy companies would move into Venezuela to "rebuild" its oil sector.
If sanctions are lifted and American firms modernise production, Venezuela could sharply increase output within a relatively short period.
Energy analysts warn that a surge in Venezuelan supply would hit markets at a time when global demand growth is already slowing, putting significant downward pressure on prices.
For Russia, lower oil prices pose a serious economic risk. Revenues from oil and gas underpin state spending, including pensions, public-sector salaries and military costs linked to the war in Ukraine.
Even before the U.S. operation, Russian commentators had voiced unease.
Igor Yushkov of the Moscow-based Foundation for National Energy Security has said it was "economically and politically important" for Russia that Maduro remained in power, arguing that sanctions kept Venezuelan output low and prices high.
Russian businessman Oleg Deripaska has also warned that U.S. access to Venezuelan oil could allow Washington to cap global prices, pushing Russian crude below $50 a barrel.
From the Kremlin’s perspective, the issue goes beyond Venezuela.
It reflects growing U.S. leverage over global energy markets at a moment of heightened economic and geopolitical pressure on Russia.
Liverpool have moved into a commanding 3-0 lead over Qarabağ early in the second half of their UEFA Champions League league-phase match at Anfield....
China is supplying key industrial equipment that has enabled Russia to speed up production of its newest nuclear-capable hypersonic missile, an invest...
“The next attack will be far worse! Don’t make that happen again,” U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on Wednesday (28 January), urging Iran to r...
Iranian citizens and businesses are continuing to feel the impact of a nationwide internet shutdown imposed amid a sweeping crackdown on anti-governme...
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Iranian government is likely weaker than at any point in recent history, warning that protests could reig...
“The next attack will be far worse! Don’t make that happen again,” U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on Wednesday (28 January), urging Iran to return to negotiations over its nuclear programme.
U.S. forces will hold multi-day air exercises in the Middle East as Washington increases its military presence amid strained ties with Iran.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has assured Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Riyadh will not permit its airspace or territory to be used for any military action against Tehran.
Sanctions are a long-used tool designed as an alternative to military force and with the objective of changing governments’ behaviour, but they also end up hurting civilian citizens.
The death toll from nationwide protests in Iran has climbed to 6,126, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).
France’s National Assembly has approved a bill banning access to social media for children under 15, a move backed by President Emmanuel Macron and the government as part of efforts to protect teenagers’ mental and physical health.
Israel has recovered the remains of the last remaining hostage held in Gaza, the military said on Monday, fulfilling a key condition of the initial phase of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in the Palestinian territory.
The S&P 500 edged to a record closing high on Tuesday, marking its fifth consecutive day of gains, as strong advances in technology stocks offset a sharp selloff in healthcare shares and a mixed batch of corporate earnings.
South Korea has said it will uphold its trade agreement with the U.S. despite President Donald Trump’s announcement of higher tariffs on South Korean goods.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called for tax increases on the city’s wealthiest residents and most profitable corporations, warning that the city is facing a fiscal crisis on a scale greater than the Great Recession.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the Senate on Wednesday that Venezuela’s new leadership is moving towards closer relations with the United States, signalling that Washington sees no immediate need for further military action following the recent arrest of President Nicolas Maduro.
China is supplying key industrial equipment that has enabled Russia to speed up production of its newest nuclear-capable hypersonic missile, an investigation by The Telegraph has found, heightening concerns in Europe over Moscow’s ability to threaten the West despite international sanctions.
Liverpool have moved into a commanding 3-0 lead over Qarabağ early in the second half of their UEFA Champions League league-phase match at Anfield.
“The next attack will be far worse! Don’t make that happen again,” U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on Wednesday (28 January), urging Iran to return to negotiations over its nuclear programme.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment