Putin's silence on Venezuela raises questions

Russia's foreign ministry condemned a U.S. operation in Venezuela, but President Vladimir Putin has not issued a formal statement; U.S. officials say a seized tanker flew a Russian flag and two Russian crew members were released.

Russia's foreign ministry publicly called a recent U.S. action in Venezuela an "unacceptable violation of the sovereignty of an independent state." President Vladimir Putin has not issued an official response, even as pro-war Russian bloggers and commentators expressed outrage. The U.S. government says the vessel involved was Venezuelan and flew a Russian flag; two Russian crew members were later released. The Trump administration has reportedly approved legislation seeking tougher sanctions and higher tariffs on purchasers of Russian oil or uranium. Known developments: - The Russian foreign ministry condemned the U.S. operation in Venezuela as a violation of sovereignty. - President Vladimir Putin has not issued a formal public statement about the incident. - U.S. officials reported that the seized tanker was Venezuelan, had flown a Russian flag, and that two Russian crew members were released. - The U.S. administration has reportedly greenlit pending legislation to increase sanctions and tariffs related to Russian energy and materials. Summary: The episode has prompted public criticism inside Russia while official Kremlin comment has been limited. Observers and officials in multiple countries are discussing possible policy responses; the next formal steps are undetermined at this time.