Amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding the Venezuelan presidential election, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of interfering in the South American nation’s internal affairs. In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, Zelenskyy claimed that the Russian mercenary group Wagner is present in Venezuela, aiding the government forces. He condemned the alleged presence of Wagner mercenaries, stating that their presence brings death and destabilization wherever they go. He characterized this as a clear example of Russia’s meddling in other countries’ affairs and their strategy of sowing chaos globally.
Zelenskyy expressed concern for the people of Venezuela, who are facing difficult times. He emphasized that the only way out of the situation is through peaceful and democratic procedures, not through violence. He condemned the use of force against peaceful protesters and urged everyone to respect the people’s choice. He criticized the Venezuelan government for using mercenaries instead of addressing the concerns of their people.
This isn’t the first time reports have emerged about Wagner’s presence in Venezuela. In 2019, reports surfaced indicating that Russian private security contractors traveled to Venezuela to provide security to President Nicolas Maduro. These mercenaries were reportedly linked to the Wagner group, then led by Yevgeny Prigozhin. This marked the first deployment of the group in the Western Hemisphere.
Both Russia and China have substantial investments in Venezuela, making them invested in who governs the country. As a result, they closely monitor the political landscape. Meanwhile, the streets of Venezuela are experiencing a surge of protests against President Maduro, who has been accused of rigging the recent election. These demonstrations come after Maduro stated that 2,000 individuals were arrested and will face “maximum punishment”.
Thousands of protestors gathered in Caracas, the capital, to listen to María Corina Machado, who declared her candidacy for the presidency. Machado claimed that Edmundo González was the true winner of the July 28th vote. She urged her supporters to remain steadfast in their pursuit of change. “We are not afraid!” the crowd chanted during their march.
González’s victory in the election has been recognized by the US, Argentina, Uruguay, and Peru. However, countries like Brazil and Colombia, despite their historical ties to the political movement Maduro inherited after Hugo Chávez’s death in 2013, have yet to acknowledge Maduro’s win. China and Russia have publicly supported Maduro.
