Russia said it is deeply concerned about rising tensions around Venezuela, warning that the situation could become dangerous after US President Donald Trump ordered a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving the country.
In a statement on Thursday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said Venezuela is a close ally and partner and criticised what it called unilateral US actions that threaten international shipping. Moscow said it hopes the Trump administration will not make a “fatal mistake” that could lead to unpredictable consequences across the Western Hemisphere.
The Kremlin echoed those concerns, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying tensions in the region are escalating and urging all countries to exercise restraint. He confirmed that President Vladimir Putin recently spoke with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Russia also said it supports dialogue between Washington and Caracas and confirmed it is preparing contacts with the US as the standoff continues.
