Russia Once Offered U.S. Control of Venezuela for Free Rein in Ukraine

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Neil MacFarquharJanuary 5, 2026 at 11:53 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

In 2019, Russia reportedly offered the U.S. a deal: free rein in Venezuela in exchange for the U.S. allowing Russia a free hand in Ukraine. This proposal was revealed in Congressional testimony by Fiona Hill, then a National Security Council official. According to Hill, the offer was signaled through informal channels like commentators and newspaper articles. The Russian rationale was that if the U.S. desired a sphere of influence in its region, it should grant Russia the same in Ukraine. Hill stated that she personally rejected the proposal in Moscow. This offer occurred during heightened tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, when Russia deployed military personnel to support President Maduro.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Bashar al-Assad 30% Moscow ×240% Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) 40% Donald Trump ×250% National Security Council ×260% Venezuela ×480% Ukraine ×580% United States ×480% Fiona Hill ×490% Russia ×690%

Keywords

ukraine 100% russia 100% venezuela 90% u.s. foreign policy 80% geopolitics 70% sphere of influence 70% diplomacy 60% congressional testimony 50% trump administration 50% international relations 40%