Article link: https://www.reuters.com/world/venezuela-key-russian-ally-latin-america-borisov-2022-02-17/
News has recently come out that Venezuela is seen to be an ally in South America. A country where Russia doesn’t have much influence is suddenly changing due to the connection between Russia and Venezuela. This news has been surprising and concerning to surrounding countries like Columbia as they see themselves allied with the United States. There have been rumors that Russia has given military equipment to Venezuela and that has Columbia worried. Colombian Vice President and Foreign Minister Marta Lucia Ramirez stated that Venezuela would not use Russian military equipment to fight against Columbia. The two countries also had talked to “deepen bilateral ties,” specifically in the military aspect.
Russia is currently playing an aggressive role at the moment. As we know they are currently on the border of Ukraine just waiting to strike and now are looking to strengthen their influence in Latin America. Russia hasn’t focused on the Latin America region for a while and it is interesting to see that now they are starting to engage in the region starting with Venezuela. Russian representatives are also visiting Nicaragua and Cuba to become better allies with them. What Russia is doing is a threatening sign from the American perspective especially Russia having talks with Cuba. The United States will have to continue to monitor the situation and adjust properly while eyeing the Russia and Ukraine conflict.
Russia clearly wants to become the world power, that is not in question. Them spreading influence in regions that aren’t necessarily important countries at the moment lets them gain allies in a sly fashion. The United States has to hope that the countries allied to the United States continue to do so and don’t become allies with Russia. The United States is taking the approach that the Latin American countries will remain loyal to the United States. There is also currently a much bigger American influence in South America than there is a Russian influence in South America.