Russia Urges United States and Venezuela to De-escalate Situation, Support Normalization of Dialogue

Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (Wikimedia Commons/RIA Novosti archive image #507433/Alexander Polyakov/CC-BY-SA 3.0)

JAKARTA - The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday reiterated its support for Venezuela, noting that they have consistently supported the normalization of dialogue between Washington and Caracas.

The ministry issued a statement urging both sides to take steps to de-escalate the situation.

"Russia has consistently supported the normalization of dialogue between Washington and Caracas. We believe that steps are needed to de-escalate the situation and find solutions to existing problems and differences constructively, while respecting the norms of international law," he said, launching Anadolu (19/12).

The ministry further emphasized that Latin America and the Caribbean must remain a zone of peace, ensuring that countries in the region develop stably and independently.

"We reaffirm our solidarity with the Venezuelan people in the face of the trials they are experiencing, as well as our support for the steps taken by the government (President) Nicolas Maduro aimed at defending the national interests and sovereignty of the homeland," he said.

It is known that US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a total blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers sailing to and from Venezuela.

President Trump has threatened Venezuela with unprecedented shocks, demanding that Caracas return oil, land and other assets allegedly "stolen" from the US.

The statement comes amid President Trump's pledge to soon begin ground attacks on drug traffickers as part of Washington's efforts to combat narcotics trafficking off the coasts of Central and South America.

Separately, the Permanent Representative of Venezuela to the United Nations, Samuel Moncada, likened the current US policy to the actions of aggressors during World War II and stated that the Trump administration was destabilizing international relations.