Russia Venezuela Ratify Strategic Partnership Amid US Pressure

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a Strategic Partnership Treaty with Venezuela, formalizing a broad cooperation agreement that spans political, economic, and security sectors such as energy, mining, transportation, communications, and counterterrorism. This agreement, first signed in May and ratified by both countries' parliaments, aims to establish financial autonomy, joint projects, and military-technical cooperation to strengthen defense capabilities. The treaty also underscores opposition to unilateral sanctions, colonial legacies, and promotes collaboration in cultural, humanitarian, and sports sectors. The partnership comes amid escalating U.S. pressure on Venezuela, including military actions near Venezuelan waters and accusations against President Nicolás Maduro involving drug trafficking, with the U.S. placing a bounty on him. Both Moscow and Caracas view the treaty as a strategic move to counteract these external threats and interference, reinforcing Venezuela's defense readiness with Russian military support. This alliance elevates Russian-Venezuelan relations to a new level, reflecting shared goals in the face of increased U.S. military activity in the Caribbean region.