Russia's Muted Unease: Trump's Venezuela Move Exposes Kremlin's Limits

• Russia displayed a "notably muted" and uneasy response to Trump's swift action against Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela.
• The US operation, which removed Maduro and announced indefinite rule, mirrored Russia's failed Ukraine invasion vision, sparking envy among pro-Kremlin voices.
• Russian officials publicly condemned the raid as illegal, but private pro-Kremlin figures admired its decisive execution.
• The event triggered soul-searching in Russia's pro-war circles, questioning the prolonged Ukraine conflict compared to the US's swift action.
• Bogged down in Ukraine, Russia finds providing real assistance to distant Venezuela unfeasible, prioritizing its strategic game with Trump over Caracas.

Why It Matters: Russia's subdued reaction to Trump's Venezuela move highlights its strategic limitations and Ukraine's priority.