A man checks the devastation in the Haret Hreik neighbourhood of Beirut's southern suburbs, in the aftermath of the first wave of Israeli strikes on September 27, that levelled several buildings, on September 28, 2024. - Israeli fighter jets bombarded the southern suburbs of Lebanon's capital overnight into September 28, sending panicked families fleeing massive strikes that were reportedly targeting Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. (Photo by ANWAR AMRO / AFP)
Key Facts
• On January 14, 2026, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized the U.S. for illegal operations against Venezuela’s President Maduro.
• Lavrov called the Maduro detention attempt a “serious violation of international law.”
• Russia remains committed to agreements with its ally Venezuela.
• Lavrov accused the U.S. of undermining the international system it helped build.
• He stated that the entire international order and globalization are being disrupted and divided.
• Regarding U.S. threats to Iran, Russia emphasized ongoing cooperation with Iran to uphold bilateral agreements.
• Lavrov stressed no other country can alter Russia-Iran relations.
Summary
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov condemned the United States on January 14, 2026, accusing it of destroying the international order through illegal actions aimed at ousting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and threatening Iran. Lavrov described the U.S. operation to detain Maduro as a serious breach of international law and reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to its alliance with Venezuela. He further criticized the U.S. for undermining the global system it once helped establish, leading to fragmentation of international order and globalization. On the issue of Iran, Lavrov highlighted Russia’s continued cooperation to fulfill bilateral agreements and insisted that no external power can change the relationship between Russia and Iran. This stance reflects Moscow’s opposition to U.S. interventions in these regions and its support for maintaining established international partnerships.
