Russia warns US against military intrusion in Venezuela

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia on Thursday warned the U.S. against military intervention in Venezuela.

In an interview, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Moscow would stand with Venezuela to protect its sovereignty.

It came a day after the U.S. recognized Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the interim president of the country marking the most significant escalation in the ongoing feud between Washington and Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro.

Maduro has slammed the decision and said his country was cutting off diplomatic relations with the U.S., giving American diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.

"We warn against [military invasion],” Ryabkov said, adding such a move would trigger a “catastrophic scenario.”

Last December, Russian Defense Ministry sent two bombers Tu-160 to Maiquetia airport outside Venezuelan capital Caracas, saying it was "to train Venezuela to defend itself from any aggression".

Separately, Russian Foreign Ministry in a statement called on the international community to help the parties of the conflict to find an acceptable solution.

Venezuela has been rocked by protests since Jan. 10 when Maduro was sworn in for a second term following a vote boycotted by the opposition.