Russia condemned US actions in Venezuela and urged the immediate release of detained Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a United Nations Security Council session on Monday (5 January). Russia’s United Nations ambassador Vasily described Mr Maduro as a “legitimately elected president” and demanded his release from US custody alongside his wife, Cilla Flores. “ We firmly condemn the US act of armed aggression against Venezuela in breach of all international legal norms,” said Nebenzya. Maduro, 63, and Flores, 69, were captured on Saturday during a US raid in Caracas. Russia, along with China, is an unconditional ally of the Venezuelan government. Russian support has allowed the South American country to circumvent economic sanctions.

In the statements of the leaders and foreign ministries of several countries, Washington's action is characterized as aggression and an attempt to change power in the country

The UN Secretary General called on all actors in Venezuela to engage in inclusive dialogue, in full respect of human rights and the rule of law