Putin effect? Rubio’s double message on Maduro, shrugs off Venezuela questions amid force buildup

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated Washington’s stance that Venezuela is governed by an “illegitimate regime,” rejecting Nicolás Maduro’s authority and calling last year’s election “stolen.” Asked whether opposition figures Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo González are heirs apparent, Rubio declined to speculate, repeating that the US does not recognise Maduro as president. He accused Caracas of cooperating with terrorist and criminal groups, including Hezbollah, the ELN and FARC dissidents, while urging attention on broader US engagement in the region. The remarks come amid heightened US pressure, military activity in the Caribbean and firm denials from Venezuela.