Russian ambassador claims that “we know the names” of those who betrayed Maduro: He later had to clarify

The Russian ambassador to Venezuela, Serguéi Mélik-Bagdasárov, sparked new controversy by referring to the capture of former dictator Nicolás Maduro during a U.S. military operation, and subsequently issued a clarification to specify his statements.

In an interview broadcast by the Russian state channel Rossiya-24, Mélik-Bagdasárov discussed the possibility that certain sectors of the Venezuelan political and security elite may have acted in favor of U.S. intelligence services, indirectly facilitating the operation that resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife on January 3, 2026.

The diplomat stated that in Venezuela, "the names of those who sold their homeland, their honor, and their oath are well known," and that some individuals "systematically worked for U.S. special services."

Following these statements, which several international media outlets used to suggest divisions within the Chavista environment, Mélik-Bagdasárov turned to his official social media accounts to clarify his message and reject interpretations that, in his view, distorted his words.

The ambassador indicated that his comment referred to events "widely known in Venezuelan society" and that he did not intend to fuel improvised conspiracy theories, but rather to highlight a history of previous betrayals that had already reached the exile of some officials.

In his clarification, Mélik-Bagdasárov even mentioned figures such as Manuel Cristopher Figuera, former director of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN), as examples of individuals who left Venezuela and who were previously marked by accusations of collaboration with foreign interests.

The episode takes place amid rising tensions between Russia and the United States over the situation in Venezuela. Moscow has condemned the U.S. military actions in Caracas and has demanded explanations for the capture of Maduro, denouncing what it describes as aggression and a violation of Venezuelan sovereignty.

The clarification from the Russian ambassador aims to cool down the media controversy and emphasize Moscow's backing of the Chavista regime, while reiterating that interpretations of internal betrayals should be handled "in terms of facts" and without manipulation.