Russia is interested in ensuring that the situation between Venezuela and the US remains peaceful, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS news agency on Sunday.
“Of course, we want everything to remain peaceful, and we don’t want any new conflicts to arise in the region. The world is already full of conflicts. We don’t need new ones,” he said, commenting on The Washington Post report saying that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had sent a request to Russian leader Vladimir Putin for the supply of missiles, radars, and aircraft against the backdrop of US threats to his country.
On Saturday, Russia’s foreign ministry denounced “excessive military force” by the United States in the Caribbean Sea, reaffirming its support for Venezuela’s leaders.
“We firmly denounce the use of excessive military force in carrying out actions in anti-drugs operations,” foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in a commentary on her ministry’s website.
“Such actions are in violation of both U.S. domestic legislation … and the norms of international law.”
In her comments, Zakharova said Russia “confirms our firm support for the Venezuelan leadership in defending its national sovereignty.”
The development follows a U.S. campaign in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific aimed at combating what Washington claims is illegal drug trade. The operation has reportedly targeted at least 14 boats, resulting in 61 deaths.
In recent months, the United States has built up a large military presence in the Caribbean with fighter jets, warships and thousands of troops.
On October 21, the Russian State Duma ratified the strategic partnership and cooperation treaty between Russia and Venezuela. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said the move was significant given what he described as the unprecedented forceful and even military pressure the United States is exerting on Venezuela, according to TASS.
