In early 2026, Russia has shown unusual restraint in response to perceived US "aggression," including the capture of Venezuela's leader and seizure of a Russian oil tanker. This calm contrasts with past immediate retaliations and suggests a deliberate strategy by Moscow, potentially to avoid jeopardizing ongoing talks with Washington regarding Ukraine. President Putin and state media have largely remained silent on these developments, with some analysts suggesting the actions might even serve Russian interests or legitimize similar ambitions elsewhere.