(Jan 14): As President Vladimir Putin focuses his attentions on Russia’s war in Ukraine, his strategic allies around the world have been left feeling neglected — or worse. In Venezuela, officials now think their years-long security relationship with Moscow was a paper tiger. They’re not alone: From Damascus and Tehran to Havana, over the last 13 months authoritarian regimes which previously benefited from their close ties to the Kremlin have found Russian support lacking when it mattered most. The most potent symbol of Russia’s inattention may be that of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro languishing in a New York jail. However, Russian officials were angered by Trump proceeding with the operation to capture Maduro, according to people familiar with the matter.

Source: The Edge Markets January 14, 2026 09:36 UTC