Caracas (OrinocoTribune.com)—Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova expressed her country’s firm condemnation of the escalation of the US imperialist campaign of regime change against Venezuela, carried out under the guise of the “war on drugs” narrative.Following the Russian statement, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil thanked Russia on Thursday, December 25, for its support for Venezuela.“On behalf of President Nicolás Maduro, we want to express our sincere gratitude to the government of the Russian Federation for its valuable support of President Maduro’s efforts in defending the sovereignty and interests of the Venezuelan people against the threats and belligerent and illegal actions of the US administration in the Caribbean,” Gil posted on social media.He also emphasized Russia’s “unwavering support” for preserving the Caribbean as a zone of peace and promoting regional stability.Zakharova had earlier stated that “Latin America must be a zone of peace” while commenting on recent US actions. She advocated for a de-escalation of US threats and reaffirmed Moscow’s support for Maduro’s government.She said that Russia consistently advocates for de-escalation and for maintaining trust and predictability, adding that it is important to prevent a destructive scenario. Zakharova also reaffirmed support for the efforts of President Maduro’s government to protect Venezuela’s sovereignty and national interests.This follows US President Donald Trump’s December 17 declaration labeling the Venezuelan government a foreign terrorist organization and announcing a total blockade of all illegally sanctioned oil tankers bound for or from Venezuela.Putin’s letter highlights bilateral tiesOn Wednesday, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Gil shared a letter sent by Russian President Vladimir Putin to President Maduro, which highlighted achievements in the bilateral relationship during 2025.The letter, dated December 17, stated, “I would like to reiterate our unwavering solidarity with the people of Venezuela who are facing unprecedented external pressure, as well as our willingness to continue working closely together on current issues on the bilateral and international agenda.”Putin also emphasized the recent signing of a Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Treaty, which he said has “created the conditions for a qualitative and constructive increase in interaction in all areas.”President Maduro: Overwhelming Support Against US Imperialism Despite UNSC Stalemate (+Iran)The public display of support follows a previous United Nations Security Council meeting where Russia strongly supported Venezuelan denunciations of US imperialism.Nicaragua voices solidarityThe Nicaraguan government also sent a Christmas message to Venezuelan authorities on Wednesday, highlighting the “unbreakable unity” between the two nations.In a letter addressed to President Maduro and other officials, Nicaragua expressed its “revolutionary brotherhood” and emphasized the Bolivarian, Sandinista and Chavista union as a legitimate and solid alliance. It described the unity as a symbol of “better times” that must emerge from current struggles, asserting that a “just, supportive and true” future is on the horizon. Special for Orinoco Tribune by staffOT/JRE/SC