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

The Counsellor of the US State Department warned of the isolation that Russia will suffer after the unjustified attack on Ukraine following the sanctions imposed by the West 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 also confirmed that Washington had not changed its stance on Nicolás Maduro despite the specific talks that took place in Caracas to secure the release of US citizens.

- Three weeks have passed since the bloody invasion ordered by Vladimir Putin and it would not seem to go according to Russia's plans. Do you think 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 this operation is clearly not going the way Putin planned it. 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 within Ukraine. Russia's brutal attacks on civilians must be condemned in every corner 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, who showed interest in Moscow. Do you think the conflict in Europe could increase these ties or do you think 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 United Nations General Assembly. And I also think that many countries in Latin America, and in the world, will ask themselves the question of 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 it and because of the cost of the war itself, which will be very expensive for Russia. Also because of the isolation that Russia will be subjected to in the coming months and years because of 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 will be the benefits of having a stronger relationship with Russia 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. What kind of message should they be sending to Russia and the world about this kind of behavior?

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

- I don't think Russia is doing it right now. The costs of doing business with Russia are only going to rise. It is much more difficult to work with Russia because of sanctions, there is a reputational cost for Putin's behavior and brutal subjugation to Ukraine, because of Russia's civil 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 about Washington's recent talks with Caracas. Did the White House change its view of the Maduro regime because of the conflict in Ukraine?

- No. The United States still has profound differences with the Maduro regime, with the Venezuelan government there are concerns about its behavior. That said, we are trying to remove United States citizens from Venezuela who were wrongfully detained. We are also ready for negotiations to be on track, and that is what our interactions with Venezuela have been about.

- Do you expect any kind of concrete action by the countries of Latin America against Russia? Sanctions?

- We hope that the countries of Latin America will 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 such 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. There are today and will continue to exist in the future. We hope that as many countries as possible will be part of the aid for the Ukrainian people and eventually help to 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 imagine Putin's future when the conflict in Ukraine comes to an end?

- Unfortunately, we must expect continued brutality on the part of Russia against Ukraine. We have seen it in the recent past, either 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. That is why 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 Putin's future, I think that this war that he chose to pass through his country will leave Russia more isolated, weaker, with an economy that will be worse than it was just a few weeks ago. The Russian people will be more isolated. The Russian people will have to wonder how this war benefits them, how can they earn a living, provide for their families, that their children have an education. Now it's harder for them to travel around the world, it's harder to do business, it's harder 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 in their future.

- Finally, do you think Russia will be relevant in Latin America once the invasion ends?

- Russia is a big country. It's certainly relevant, but I think it'll be less relevant as a partner. Because it's hard to see what it's like... the cost we've already seen you're facing. If this goes on longer than weeks or months, Russia will be a weaker country, with fewer things to offer to other countries and frankly there will be a higher reputation cost to be paid for working with Russia.

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