This is a deeply fraught moment for Venezuela. Months of rising tensions with the United States escalated into a U.S. military strike on Caracas and other cities. The operation did not stop there and culminated, according to Trump, in the capture of Maduro and his wife, though no further details have been provided.
The international community is watching developments in Venezuela closely as the geopolitical chessboard has been upended. Key questions remain unanswered: what becomes of the chavista government, who assumes power, and how leadership in the South American country is reshaped. Under the constitution, Delcy Rodríguez would serve as acting president. She has asked for proof of life for Maduro.
What is clearer, for now, is who backs whom. Here is a look at Maduro’s allies and those aligned with Trump.
Allies of Venezuela
Historically, two countries have consistently backed Venezuela: Cuba and Nicaragua. Following the initial U.S. deployment in the Caribbean, attacks on suspected drug-running vessels, and threats from Trump, Cuba reaffirmed its “total and complete” support for Venezuela. That position was confirmed by Cuban foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez in comments to CNN.
Nicaragua also responded to U.S. moves, with the government of Daniel Ortega accusing Trump of seeking to seize Venezuela’s oil resources.
The role of Russia and China
In recent months, Russia and China have largely stayed on the sidelines of the escalating Venezuela–U.S. conflict. Both powers have historically supported Venezuela and, while not formal allies, have maintained close ties with Caracas.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Russia and China have shown limited interest lately, citing more pressing priorities, including the war in Ukraine for Moscow and domestic economic challenges for Beijing. Both countries are also negotiating significant trade agreements with the United States.
Iran, for its part, called for respect for Venezuela’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity in response to the U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean.
Finally, Belarus has been a steadfast ally of Venezuela since the two countries signed their first technical and military training agreement in 2006. Three weeks ago, Belarusian president Aleksandr Lukashenko said he would be willing to receive Maduro should the Venezuelan leader decide to leave the country.
Allies of the United States
The United States counts on public support from several Caribbean territories that have backed Trump. These include Trinidad and Tobago, Dominican Republic, Grenada, as well as the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
In recent months, U.S. forces have operated across these territories, establishing bases and conducting military exercises.
Beyond those countries, attention now turns to how NATO members will respond to the Venezuela–U.S. conflict, whether they back the Trump administration or push for a negotiated, peaceful resolution, as some world leaders have already begun to suggest.
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