Mike Pence Beats the War Drums on Venezuela
Jose Nino
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In a move largely viewed as Cold War era saber rattling, Vice President Mike Pence has declared that the recent deployment of Russian troops in Venezuela was “an unwelcome provocation.” Pence even went so far as to demand that Russia cut off all talks with Maduro.
According to Bloomberg, Pence made this proclamation prior to President Donald Trump’s talk with Fabiana Rosales, Venezuelan Interim President Juan Guaido’s wife.
Reuters revealed that Trump said “Russia has to get out” of Venezuela in reference to the superpower’s involvement in the country.
National security adviser John Bolton echoed Trump’s sentiments in a tweet on March 27, 2019.
Trump even stated that “all options are open” in putting a halt to Russian involvement in Venezuela.
On Saturday, Russian military aircraft landed outside of Caracas with about 100 Russian military personnel. According to the U.S. government, this deployment was made up of special forces and cybersecurity personnel.
According to the Associated Press, Russia has confirmed the landing of military forces.
Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the Russian troops deployed in Venezuela were sent “in strict accordance” with to the Venezuelan constitution and the military agreement in place between the two countries.
Venezuela’s recent economic collapse has made it turn to the Russia-China axis of power just to say afloat.
Such an alliance has been met with fierce criticism from the Trump administration.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described Russia’s latest military deployment in Venezuela as “unconstructive”.
As tensions mount in Venezuela, the U.S. will likely pursue more sanctions on the socialist country.
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