Moscow: Russia's Security Council Deputy Chair Dmitry Medvedev has criticized US President Donald Trump's actions in Venezuela, labeling them as 'illegal' while acknowledging their 'consistency.'
According to Anadolu Agency, Medvedev made these remarks to the state news agency Tass, where he described the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, by the US as a 'clear violation of international law.' Medvedev, who is also a former Russian president, emphasized that despite the illegality, Trump's actions display a steadfast defense of US national interests.
Citing accusations from Maduro that the US aims to control Venezuela's resources, including its oil, Medvedev noted that Trump's intentions are transparent. He suggested that the US can no longer formally criticize Russia, alluding to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Medvedev's comments followed Venezuela's announcement of a national emergency after the US attacked civilian and military installations across multiple states.
President Trump confirmed the "large scale" operation, stating that Maduro and his wife had been captured and transported to New York, where they face drug-trafficking charges. Trump declared that the US would administer Venezuela to ensure a secure transition and repair its "broken" oil infrastructure.
The US strikes came after heightened pressure on Maduro, whom Washington accuses of drug trafficking-a charge Maduro has denied while expressing willingness for dialogue.