Russian Foreign Ministry Issues Strong Rebuke
The Russian Federation has issued a strong condemnation of the United States' military actions in the Caribbean Sea, specifically targeting its counter-narcotics operations. On Saturday, November 2, 2025, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that Washington's actions constitute an 'excessive use of military force' and are 'aggressive and unlawful actions' that violate both US domestic law and international legal principles.
Zakharova's statement, posted on the Foreign Ministry's website, emphasized Russia's firm denouncement of these operations, calling for de-escalation and constructive solutions in line with international law.
US Operations and Alleged Violations
The condemnation comes amid a heightened US-led campaign against illegal narcotics trafficking in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Reports indicate that this campaign has resulted in strikes on at least 14 vessels and the deaths of 61 people since early September. Specific incidents cited include a October 3, 2025, strike off the Venezuelan coast that killed four individuals, and earlier strikes on September 2 and September 15, 2025, which reportedly killed 11 and 3 people respectively.
The United States has significantly reinforced its military presence in the region, deploying fighter jets, warships, and thousands of troops. These operations are reportedly part of a policy initiated by President Donald Trump, who declared the US to be in 'armed conflict' with drug cartels, reclassifying them as 'terrorist organizations.' This reclassification has been criticized by legal scholars as an attempt to bypass international law.
International Community Expresses Concern
The Russian Foreign Ministry highlighted that its position is shared by representatives of several countries and international organizations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk have both expressed significant concern over the humanitarian and legal consequences of these US operations.
Volker Türk, in particular, stated that the US airstrikes on alleged drug trafficking boats 'violate international human rights law' and 'must stop immediately.' He called for prompt, independent, and transparent investigations into the reported attacks, emphasizing that the fight against illicit drug trafficking is a law-enforcement matter with careful limits on lethal force. UN experts have also condemned these actions as 'extrajudicial execution.'
Russia's Regional Stance
In its statement, Russia reiterated its 'unwavering support for Venezuela's leadership in defending its sovereignty,' a pointed reference to ongoing tensions between the US and the Venezuelan government. Russia also reaffirmed its advocacy for preserving Latin America and the Caribbean as a 'zone of peace,' urging all sides to pursue constructive and lawful solutions. This comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro signed a strategic partnership agreement in Moscow in May 2025, aiming for deeper cooperation in energy, defense, and security.
5 Comments
Comandante
Venezuela's sovereignty must be respected. The US can't just operate like this.
Muchacha
Protecting sovereignty is a fundamental principle, but Russia's 'zone of peace' rhetoric rings hollow when they are actively deepening military ties with regimes like Venezuela.
Mariposa
Russia is right to call out this US overreach. International law matters!
Stan Marsh
The scale of drug trafficking is a serious issue, but the reported civilian casualties and methods used by the US military certainly warrant an independent investigation.
Eric Cartman
Good to see someone holding the US accountable for these aggressive tactics.