The capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro by the United States deprives Russia of an ally in Venezuela, but Moscow sees opportunities in dividing the world into spheres of influence that President Donald Trump seems to promote.

The capture of Nicolas Maduro by the USA represented a significant loss for Russia, depriving it of a strategic ally in Latin America. This action could enhance the oil influence of the USA, considering that Venezuela holds the largest oil reserves in the world. Although Russian nationalists criticize the loss of this ally, Moscow believes that the division of the world into spheres of influence, an idea promoted by President Donald Trump, could bring advantages for Russia. Despite the criticism, Russia has not publicly commented on the US operation, but the Foreign Ministry has called for the release of Nicolas Maduro. The Russian media described the action as a "kidnapping" and emphasized that, in the face of US actions, Russia is reaffirming its sphere of influence in the former Soviet republics. Russian nationalists quickly compare the speed of the American operation with Russia's efforts in Ukraine, highlighting Moscow's inability to intervene effectively in Venezuela.