Russia has reacted sharply to the dramatic capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by the United States, calling it a direct challenge to the balance of power in Latin America. The move has created a major geopolitical dilemma for Russian President Vladimir Putin, as analysts view Maduro’s removal as a strategic effort by Washington to curb Russian and Chinese influence in South America. With deep military, energy, and intelligence ties between Moscow and Caracas now under threat—and Russia constrained by the war in Ukraine—experts say the episode could significantly reshape regional power dynamics in the Western Hemisphere.