As U.S. President Donald Trump escalated pressure on Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro—including recent military buildup and declaring Maduro's "days are numbered"—Russia and its close ally Belarus publicly offered support, raising speculation that Maduro could seek asylum abroad.
Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with Maduro on Thursday, "reaffirmed his support for the policy of N. Maduro's government" and its efforts to protect national interests and sovereignty against "growing external pressure."
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko held his second meeting in 17 days with Venezuela's ambassador to Moscow. Lukashenko publicly stated on November 25 that Maduro was "always welcome in Belarus" and encouraged a visit, prompting speculation about a potential sanctuary.
Sources told Reuters that Maduro indicated in a November 21 phone call with Trump that he was ready to leave Venezuela provided that he and his family were granted full legal amnesty.
The Trump administration continues to refuse to recognize Maduro, in power since 2013, as Venezuela's legitimate president, viewing his re-election as a sham.
The U.S. has intensified pressure through a massive military build-up in the Caribbean and a continuous campaign of sanctions.
Trump declared in a recent interview that Maduro's "days are numbered." Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova responded by expressing hope that the White House would prevent a "further slide into a full-scale conflict," which she warned could have "unpredictable consequences for the entire Western Hemisphere."
Belarusian leader Lukashenko, who has long maintained friendly ties with Venezuela, has recently entered a dialogue with the Trump administration, leading to an easing of U.S. sanctions and the naming of a special envoy to negotiate with Belarus on the release of political prisoners.
