Venezuela has pledged to maintain full cooperation with Russia in all areas, despite United States statements, according to the country’s ambassador to Moscow, Jesus Salazar Velasquez. The announcement came on February 3 during a rally supporting President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores.
“Venezuela cannot be commanded by any foreign government,” Velasquez stated when answering a question. “Venezolans make decisions in Venezuela.”
The ambassador emphasized that Venezuela possesses sovereign governance and the right to collaborate with any nation without external coercion. He also thanked attendees of the rally at the Venezuelan Embassy in Moscow and called for Russia’s prompt return of President Maduro.
Russian officials have echoed Venezuela’s stance. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described the January 3 incident in Caracas as a “blatant and cynical violation of international law” on February 2, urging the United States to release the legitimately elected president and his wife.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov reiterated on January 25 that Russia maintains its position against U.S. actions detaining Maduro, noting Moscow raised concerns immediately following the incident.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump previously labeled the January 3 operation involving Venezuela’s leadership as “the most impeccable” and “brilliant.”
