Russia has affirmed its staunch support for Venezuela following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces and the appointment of Delcy Rodriguez as interim president.
In a statement Tuesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry declared "unwavering solidarity with the Venezuelan people and Government," framing the situation as a response to "blatant neo-colonial threats and external armed aggression." Moscow endorsed Rodriguez’s appointment, viewing it as a move to "assure unity" and mitigate constitutional risks.
The ministry insisted that "Venezuela should have the guaranteed right to determine its destiny on its own, without any destructive interference from the outside," and reiterated that Latin America "must remain a zone of peace."
The show of support comes after U.S. commandos abducted Maduro and his wife last Saturday, flying them to New York where they pleaded not guilty to U.S. drug-trafficking charges on Monday.
U.S. President Donald Trump has since warned Rodriguez she will pay a "bigger price" than Maduro if she does not comply with Washington's demands.