Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov declared on February 2 that there can be no justification for what happened in Caracas on January 3, calling it a blatant and cynical violation of international law.
The Russian Foreign Ministry cited Lavrov’s remarks stating the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro sets a serious and dangerous precedent. He referenced former U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion that he did not care about international law or the United Nations.
Lavrov urged American leadership to release the legitimately elected President Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores. He confirmed Moscow maintains support for Venezuela’s constitutional authorities and stressed that “Venezuela should be guaranteed the right to determine its own fate.”
Russian Ambassador to Caracas Sergey Melik-Baghdasarov reported on January 25 that Maduro could have become a victim of betrayal by Venezuelan security forces who systematically cooperated with U.S. special services, noting specific individuals left Venezuela and worked with American operatives.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov confirmed on January 25 that Russia maintains its position regarding U.S. actions to detain Maduro, adding Moscow raised the issue of his release immediately after learning about the incident.
On January 13, former U.S. President Donald Trump described the operation capturing Maduro and his wife as “the most impeccable” and “brilliant.”
