US military action in Venezuela is seen as both a blessing and a curse for Russia’s Putin
The lightning US operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro can be seen as both a benefit and a burden for Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose forces botched an attempt to capture Ukraine's capital and topple its leader at the start of Moscow's invasion nearly four years ago.
The ouster of Maduro highlights another Kremlin failure to support an ally, following the downfall of Syria's former President Bashar Assad in 2024 and last year's US and Israeli attacks on Iran.
With the US determined to establish control over Venezuela, Russia stands to lose a strategic foothold in the Western Hemisphere, along with billions of dollars invested in its oil industry.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, shakes hands with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during their meeti...