During the protests in Venezuela, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced worry over the involvement of Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group, describing it as an example of Russia’s blatant interference in other nations’ matters. The unrest in Caracas followed President Nicolas Maduro’s announcement of election victory. However, the opposition dismissed Maduro’s claim as fraudulent, asserting that, based on 73.2% of the vote count, their candidate Edmundo Gonzalez had won decisively, according to a local media source.
In a post on X, Zelenskyy wrote, “Worrying reports of Russian Wagner mercenaries being spotted in Venezuela alongside government forces. Wherever these thugs go, they bring death and destabilization.”
“This is a clear example of Russia’s shameless meddling in other countries’ affairs, as well as its usual strategy of sowing chaos around the world,” he added. Zelenskyy further stated that the only solution to Venezuela’s challenging situation is “through peaceful and democratic procedures, not sending murderers to exacerbate the situation.”
“We see that the people of Venezuela are going through a very difficult time. And the only way out is through peaceful and democratic procedures, not through sending murderers to further exacerbate the situation,” Zelenskyy said on X.
“We condemn the use of force against peaceful protesters and urge everyone to respect the people’s choice. True leaders don’t hide from their own people behind mercenaries’ backs,” he added.
Local media sources reported that on August 1, social media posts claimed that Russia’s Wagner Group was assisting in suppressing the protests in Venezuela. The day before, on July 31, the two opposition leaders made an appearance at a rally in Caracas. “What we are fighting here is a fraud by the regime,” said Machado, calling for peaceful protest.
A huge crowd, with many waving Venezuelan flags, chanted: “We are not afraid!” Opposition demonstrators also staged marches in Valencia, Maracay, San Cristobal, Maracaibo, and Barquisimeto throughout the day. The Venezuelan Conflict Observatory, a local monitoring organisation, reported 187 protests across 20 states, noting “numerous acts of repression and violence” by paramilitary groups and security forces. Rights organisation Foro Penal indicated that at least 11 individuals had died in connection with the election count or the protests.