Russian Foreign Ministry condemns U.S. strikes on Venezuela

An act of armed aggression by the United States against Venezuela prompts deep concern and condemnation, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

"Earlier today, the United States carried out an act of armed aggression against Venezuela. This has prompted deep concern and condemnation. The pretexts cited to justify such actions are untenable. Ideologized hostility has prevailed over pragmatic considerations, as well as over a willingness to build relations based on trust and predictability," the statement reads.

The ministry emphasized that, under the current circumstances, "it is crucial, above all, to prevent further escalation."

"We proceed from the assumption that all partners who may have claims against one another should seek ways to resolve their problems through dialogue-based solutions. We are ready to support them in this," the statement reads.

The Russian Foreign Ministry stressed that Latin America must remain a zone of peace, as it proclaimed itself in 2014.

"Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own fate without any destructive external interference. We reaffirm our solidarity with the Venezuelan people and our support for the course of its Bolivarian leadership, aimed at protecting the country’s national interests and sovereignty," the ministry said.

It was also noted that the Russian Embassy in Caracas is operating as normal.