Derek Chollet, Counselor of the Department of State: “Latin America must ask itself what kind of partner Russia will be in the future”

The Counselor to the United States Department of State warned about the isolation he will suffer Russia after unjustified attack on Ukraine from the sanctions West imposed on Moscow and pointed out that it will no longer be an attractive partner for those countries that decided to approach Vladimir Putin as an ally. During an exclusive video call with Infobae, Derek Chollet further confirmed that Washington had not changed its position on Nicholas Maduro despite the occasional talks that took place in Caracas to achieve the release of US citizens.

– Three weeks have passed since the bloody invasion ordered by Vladimir Putin and it does not seem to be going according to Russia’s plans. Do you think that Putin underestimated Ukraine and the unity shown by the West?

– What Putin is experiencing now, the military losses he is suffering, are a testament to the courage, resilience and strength of the Ukrainian people. We, the United States, have for many years done our best to support the Ukrainian people. Particularly supporting their military. And we have increased aid significantly in recent weeks together with our allies to give the Ukrainian military what they need to defend themselves. I think clearly this operation is not going as Putin planned.. The Russians suffer tremendous losses on the ground. Every day we see Russian military units being destroyed, but at the same time we see brutality continuing inside Ukraine. Russia’s brutal attacks on civilians must be condemned in all corners of the world.

– In recent years, Russia has had a growing influence in Latin America, especially in non-democratic countries such as Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba. But also in Brazil and Argentina, which showed interest in Moscow. Do you think that the conflict in Europe could increase these ties or do you think that Putin will eventually lose power and influence in the region?

– First of all, we have seen tremendous support from Latin America and international calls to condemn Russia. We have seen it in the General Assembly of the United Nations. And I also think that many countries in Latin America, and in the world, will ask themselves what kind of partner Russia will be in the future. Russia will be a country with an economy that will be devastated. Because of the sanctions that the United States and many other countries have imposed on Russia and because of the cost of the war itself, which will be very expensive for Russia. Also because of the isolation to which Russia will be subjected in the coming months and years for what it has done to Ukraine. Russia will not be a very attractive partner for countries. And I think that countries that have strong ties with Russia will have to ask themselves what the benefits of having a stronger relationship with Russia will be in the future. Especially for a region that values ​​so much the concept of state sovereignty and the idea that larger states should not be able to pressure or subjugate smaller ones around them. What kind of message should they be sending to Russia and the world about this kind of behavior?

– Why do you think some countries in the region, such as Brazil or Argentina, decided in recent months to approach Russia? Does Putin have something to offer Latin America?

– I don’t think Russia is doing it now. The costs of doing business with Russia are only going to go up. Russia is much more difficult to work with because of the sanctions, there is a reputational cost from Putin’s behavior and his brutal subjugation of Ukraine, from Russia’s civilian attacks and Russia’s general isolation from the world. I think Russia will be a much less attractive partner around the world and particularly in Latin America..

– Much has been written in recent days regarding the recent talks between Washington and Caracas. Did the White House change its view of the Maduro regime because of the conflict in Ukraine?

– No. The United States still has deep differences with the Maduro regime, with the government of Venezuela there are concerns about their behavior. That said, we are trying to get US citizens who were wrongfully detained out of Venezuela. We are also willing for the negotiations to be on track and that is what our interactions with Venezuela have been about.

– Do you expect some kind of concrete measure from Latin American countries against Russia? Sanctions?

– We hope that the countries of Latin America unite to condemn Russia’s actions and ensure that it is punished in the form of economic sanctions.. The United States and many countries in Europe are moving forward with those punishments. We want other countries to do the same. I also think it is very important that countries work together to support the Ukrainian people. That support will come in the form of assistance, but there will also be tremendous humanitarian needs. They exist today and will continue to exist in the future. We hope that as many countries as possible will be part of the help for the Ukrainian people and eventually help rebuild a free and independent Ukraine after this brutal attack.

– An expert on Russian history, Leon Aron, said in a column in The Washington Post that Russia does not tolerate losing a war and tends to punish defeats with radical changes. How do you envision Putin’s future when the conflict in Ukraine comes to an end?

– Unfortunately we must expect continued brutality by Russia against Ukraine. We have seen it in the recent past, whether it was in Chechnya 20 years ago or in Syria 8 or 9 years ago. Russia is capable and willing to carry out a brutal attack on Ukrainian cities and civilians. Therefore, it is imperative that we do everything we can to help the Ukrainian people defend themselves, and that is what the United States intends to do. Regarding the future of Putin, I think that this war that he chose to put his country through will leave Russia more isolated, weaker, with an economy that will be worse off than just a few weeks ago.. The Russian people will be more isolated. The Russian people will have to ask themselves how this war benefits them, how they will be able to earn a living, provide for their families, that their children have an education. Now it is more difficult for them to travel around the world, it is more difficult to do business, it is more difficult for them to make money because of the consequences of Putin’s actions. These are Putin’s actions and one should wonder if the Russian people see this as consistent with their future.

– Lastly, do you think Russia will be relevant in Latin America once the invasion is over?

– Russia is a big country. It is certainly relevant, but I think it will be less relevant as a partner. Because it’s hard to see what it’s like… the cost that we’ve already seen that it’s facing. If this goes on for more than a few weeks or months, Russia will be a weaker country, with fewer things to offer other countries, and frankly there will be a higher reputational cost to be paid for working with Russia.

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