In recent weeks, with increased sanctions against Russia and the systematic withdrawal of U.S. oil service companies from the Eurasian nation, officials turned to the authoritarian regime of President Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela in hopes of a solution. Since Russia launched a massive military invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, crude oil has suffered market instability and inflation, hitting historic highs of more than $130 per barrel. Some experts claim this trend is likely to continue or even get worse. A high-level U.S. delegation, which included six Citgo oil executives, met with Maduro on March 5, triggering a backlash from U.S. representatives and the public. Yet a week later, on March 12, the European Union’s high representative for foreign affairs and security, Josep Borrell Fontelles, met with Venezuela’s foreign minister Felix Plasencia to discuss a “commitment” to the United Nations charter. Additionally, Plasencia advocated the removal of sanctions against the Maduro …