Russia asserts full ownership of Venezuelan oil assets amid rising geopolitical tensions
By bellecarter // 2026-01-14
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  • Roszarubezhneft, a Russian state-controlled firm, declared full ownership of all oil assets developed in Venezuela, countering U.S. claims that Western companies would help revive Venezuela's energy sector.
  • The move follows aggressive U.S. actions, including sanctions, the seizure of a Russian-flagged tanker and the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom Moscow supports.
  • Russia insists its acquisitions comply with Venezuelan and international law, emphasizing continued cooperation with PDVSA (Venezuela's state oil company) in joint ventures.
  • Venezuela's vast oil reserves are a key battleground, with Russia securing long-term access through extended joint venture agreements, while the U.S. seeks to counter Russian and Chinese influence in Latin America.
  • Russia's firm stance signals resistance to U.S. attempts to displace its interests, raising the likelihood of ongoing economic and diplomatic clashes over Venezuela's energy resources.
Russia has formally declared full ownership of all oil assets developed by its state-owned companies in Venezuela, pushing back against claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that American and Western firms would play a role in reviving Venezuela's struggling energy sector. The statement, issued Tuesday by Roszarubezhneft—a Russian state-controlled firm—comes amid escalating tensions between Moscow and Washington over Venezuela's oil reserves, the largest in the world. The move follows U.S. sanctions, the seizure of a Russian-flagged tanker and the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom Washington accuses of drug trafficking. Roszarubezhneft, a subsidiary of Russia's Ministry of Economic Development, acquired Venezuelan assets from Russian oil giant Rosneft in 2020 after U.S. sanctions targeted Rosneft's dealings with Caracas. In a statement carried by Russia's TASS news agency, the company asserted: "All assets of Roszarubezhneft JSC in Venezuela are the property of the Russian state, having been acquired by the Russian side under market conditions, in full compliance with the legislation of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, international law and interstate agreements between Russia and Venezuela." According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the company currently operates five joint ventures with Venezuela's state-owned Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA) and emphasized its commitment to further developing these projects. "The company will continue to strictly honor its obligations in close coordination with its international partners, focusing on the sustainable development of joint oil production projects, infrastructure and an effective response to emerging challenges," Roszarubezhneft added. The Russian statement follows a series of aggressive U.S. moves targeting Venezuela's leadership and energy sector. Earlier this year, Maduro was reportedly captured and extradited to New York to face drug-trafficking charges—a move Moscow condemned. Additionally, the U.S. seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic after a pursuit that began near Venezuelan waters in December. While Russian President Vladimir Putin has remained publicly silent on Maduro's arrest, Russia's Foreign Ministry demanded his immediate release, calling the detention unlawful. The Kremlin has long supported Maduro's government, providing diplomatic backing, military cooperation and energy investments.

Russia's deepening ties with Venezuela

Russia's involvement in Venezuela dates back years, with Moscow providing loans, military support and oil investments to prop up Caracas amid crippling U.S. sanctions. In November, Venezuela's National Assembly approved a 15-year extension for joint ventures between PDVSA and Roszarubezhneft, ensuring continued Russian access to key oilfields. Meanwhile, Trump has openly discussed leveraging Venezuela's oil reserves with U.S. firms, framing it as part of a broader strategy to counter Russian and Chinese influence in Latin America. However, Russia's latest declaration signals Moscow's unwillingness to cede control, complicating Washington's efforts to reshape Venezuela's energy sector. As geopolitical tensions mount, Russia's reaffirmation of ownership over Venezuelan oil assets underscores the deepening rivalry between Moscow and Washington. With Venezuela's vast energy reserves at stake, the struggle for influence shows no signs of abating. The Kremlin's firm stance suggests that any U.S. attempt to displace Russian interests will face stiff resistance—raising the specter of further economic and diplomatic clashes in the months ahead. Watch the video below, where UN states that Russia calls Trump's attack on Venezuela a Crimean operation. This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

OilPrice.com IDNFinancials.com Reuters.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com
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