White House dismisses Trump's concern over Maduro-Putin ties

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denied on Thursday that President Donald Trump is concerned about the relationship between Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, who held a phone call to reaffirm the 'solid' nature of their bond. Both leaders had contact on Thursday, and according to Caracas, Putin 'firmly and categorically expressed his support and endorsement' to Maduro in 'national efforts to consolidate peace, political stability, economic development, and social protection' in Venezuela. The call came at a time when tensions between Venezuela and the United States have escalated further after Washington intercepted an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. The spokesperson also dismissed that Trump had spoken with his Russian counterpart after his call with the Venezuelan leader. According to the Kremlin, the Russian leader 'reaffirmed his support for the Maduro government's policy aimed at protecting national interests and sovereignty amid growing external pressure'. This episode coincides with the US military campaign in Caribbean waters in the name of the fight against drug trafficking; however, the Maduro government insists that this is a threat aimed at provoking a regime change. 'I don't think that concerns the president at all. I'll let him speak to it,' Leavitt said at a press conference at the White House.