Russia’s Global Patronage Fails to Deliver, Maduro Exposed

Foreign Affairs argues that Vladimir Putin’s Russia has overpromised and underdelivered as a global patron, backing allies like Venezuela and Syria in rhetoric more than in action. Moscow’s resources are stretched by the Ukraine war, leaving Maduro without timely warning or adequate defense, and turning decades of partnership into a largely transactional relationship that provides few security or economic benefits. The piece contends Russia is a limited player that can act as a spoiler but cannot meaningfully counter the United States in far‑flung theaters.