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

During congressional testimony, Fiona Hill revealed that Russia proposed a significant geopolitical exchange to the United States. The offer suggested that the U.S. could have free rein over Venezuela in exchange for allowing Russia to operate without interference in Ukraine. This proposal occurred during the first Trump administration, where Hill served as the top Russia expert on the National Security Council. The testimony highlighted the complex diplomatic maneuvering between the two global powers. Hill recounted the details of this proposed deal to Congress. The offer underscored Russia's strategic priorities regarding Ukraine and Venezuela's role in international relations.

According to testimony provided to Congress, Russia presented a distinct offer to the United States regarding spheres of influence. The proposition centered on the political landscape of Venezuela and the sovereign territory of Ukraine. Fiona Hill, who served as the senior director for Russian and European affairs on the National Security Council, detailed these discussions.

The core of the proposal was a trade-off. Russia indicated that the U.S. would be granted control over Venezuela. In return, the United States was expected to grant Russia free rein in Ukraine. This offer was made during the tenure of the first Trump administration. It reflected Russia's desire to secure its interests in Eastern Europe while potentially diverting U.S. attention to Latin America.

Fiona Hill was a pivotal figure in U.S. foreign policy regarding Russia. As the top National Security Council official handling Russia and Europe, she was privy to high-level diplomatic channels. Her testimony to Congress provided insight into the private conversations held between the two nations.

The recounting of this exchange offer serves as a historical record of the diplomatic strategies employed. Hill's testimony clarified the extent of Russia's willingness to negotiate spheres of influence. It highlighted the specific value Russia placed on Ukraine compared to Venezuela at that time.

The offer surfaced during a period of shifting U.S. foreign policy under President Trump. The administration had a complex relationship with both Russia and Venezuela. Discussions regarding Venezuela often involved discussions of regime change and economic pressure, while Ukraine remained a flashpoint due to Russian aggression.

The proposal suggests that Russia was actively seeking to normalize a division of global influence. By offering Venezuela, Russia tested the U.S. administration's appetite for transactional diplomacy. The testimony does not indicate that the U.S. accepted the offer, but it confirms the topic was raised.

This revelation sheds light on the high-stakes negotiations occurring behind closed doors. The idea of trading influence in one region for non-interference in another is a classic example of realpolitik. It demonstrates how Russia viewed the Ukraine conflict as a matter of paramount importance, worth trading other strategic assets for.

For the United States, the offer presented a dilemma. Accepting such a deal would have meant abandoning support for the opposition in Venezuela. It would also have legitimized Russia's actions in Ukraine. The fact that Fiona Hill testified to this offer indicates the seriousness with which the National Security Council viewed the threat to Ukrainian sovereignty.

The testimony of Fiona Hill confirms that Russia attempted to broker a deal involving Venezuela and Ukraine. The offer was straightforward: U.S. control of Venezuela for Russian freedom of action in Ukraine. While the offer was not accepted, it remains a significant data point in the history of Russia-U.S. relations during the Trump administration.