Off-Topic /
American Special Military Operation in Venezuela [338]
Interesting analysis:
Berlin/Moscow - The successful US military strike in Venezuela, which led to the immediate overthrow of dictator Nicolás Maduro, is causing panic in Russia. The concern is not only about the loss of a key political ally in South America, but also about the country's untouched oil reserves.
Leading Russian energy analysts and even an oligarch fear that US President Donald Trump's oil plans could bankrupt their country. If Trump implements his proposals, this could have massive consequences for Russia's economy, the war in Ukraine, and even Vladimir Putin's rule.
This is because Venezuela possesses the world's largest oil reserves, yet exports very little oil compared to Arab states or Russia. The state-owned oil company PDVSA is considered dilapidated and incompetent. Furthermore, US sanctions have made exports even more difficult.
bild.de/politik/ausland-und-internationales/venezuela-nach-us-schlag-gegen-maduro-hat-russland-riesige-oel-sorgen-695a0ba1f6fc544dba9bbcf1
I wonder if Trump and his advisors had really even more in mind than only removing a troublesome druglord and dictator....a real big show off to Moscow!
...Russia's Budget Can Only Be Financed with Oil Revenue
This development is of paramount importance to Russia, as oil exports are the state's primary source of revenue, and the price of oil determines whether the Russian state has sufficient funds for pensions, civil servant salaries, or war. For example, the Russian Finance Ministry based its 2026 budget planning on a price of $59 per barrel of Urals oil; the price recently fell to $50. If it falls further, the financing of the Russian budget will collapse permanently.
On the Russian financial portal "finance.mail.ru," Igor Yushkov, an expert at the Moscow Foundation for National Energy Security, stated before the US attack on Venezuela's dictator: "For us, it is economically and politically crucial that Maduro remains steadfast."...
....is it! Well.....