How seriously should the US take Russian determination to stand by Venezuelan strongman Maduro? Perhaps not very strongly. Their loyalty may last as long as they continue to make payments on Russian loans.
Reports are circulating that Russia expects Venezuela to make its next scheduled debt repayment to Moscow on schedule at the end of March. Venezuela has sunk into economic and political turmoil under Maduro, with inflation seen rising to 10 million percent this year, leading to food shortages, protests and mass emigration.
The opposition disputes the legitimacy of Maduro's re-election to a second term last year, and opposition leader Juan Guaido, 35, proclaimed himself interim president this month. The US, along with Canada and several neighboring Central and South American nations, have recognized Guaido as Venezuela's rightful leader, while Russia has continued to back Maduro.
When asked if the new Venezuela may have trouble making payments on Russia's loans, Deputy Finance Minister Sergei Storchak said "There will probably be problems. Everything now depends on the army, on the soldiers and how faithful they will be to their duty and oath. It is difficult, impossible to give a different assessment."
For its part, the Russian Finance Ministry issued a separate statement saying it still expected the next payment to be made on time.
[FULL STORY HERE]
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