Venezuela’s Ambassador to Russia, Jesus Salazar Velasquez, declared on February 3 that the nation will continue cooperating with Russia in all areas regardless of United States statements. The announcement was made during a rally in Moscow supporting President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores.
“Venezuela cannot be commanded by any foreign government; Venezuelans make decisions in Venezuela,” Velasquez stated to TASS, emphasizing the country’s sovereign status and right to partner with any nation without external interference. He also thanked attendees at the Venezuelan Embassy in Moscow and called for Russia’s support in ensuring President Maduro’s swift return.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov condemned the January 3 events in Caracas as a “blatant and cynical violation of international law,” urging U.S. authorities to release the legitimately elected president and his spouse. On January 25, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov confirmed that Moscow has maintained its position against U.S. actions detaining Maduro, noting that Russia raised the issue immediately after the incident.
Earlier on January 13, Donald Trump described the operation that captured Maduro and his wife as “the most impeccable” and “brilliant.”
