Russia: Russia on Tuesday voiced solidarity with Venezuela's government and people, welcoming steps taken by Caracas to safeguard state sovereignty and calling for de-escalation and dialogue following a US military operation in the country.
According to Anadolu Agency - English, the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed its support for Venezuela's efforts to protect its national interests and maintain political stability, emphasizing that the country must be free to determine its own destiny without external interference. The ministry also welcomed Venezuela's newly sworn-in interim President Delcy Rodriguez, noting that she took an oath of office based on a ruling by Venezuela's Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court.
The statement highlighted that this step by Venezuela demonstrates the Bolivarian government's determination to ensure unity and preserve the vertical power structure established in accordance with national legislation. It aims to mitigate the risk of a constitutional crisis and create the necessary conditions for Venezuela's continued peaceful and stable development, especially in the face of what was described as 'blatant neocolonial threats and armed aggression from abroad.'
The Russian Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its unwavering solidarity with the Venezuelan people and government, emphasizing Moscow's readiness to continue providing necessary support to what it described as a friendly country. The ministry also called for the de-escalation of tensions around Venezuela, urging that 'any existing problems' be resolved through constructive dialogue in line with international law and the UN Charter. It stressed that Latin America and the Caribbean must remain a zone of peace.
The remarks came after Venezuelan Foreign Minister Ivan Gil Pinto accused the United States of carrying out strikes on civilian and military targets in Caracas, labeling the actions as military aggression and announcing a state of emergency. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that these developments underscore the need to prevent further escalation and to guarantee the sovereign development of countries in the region.