'The Russian presence in Venezuela poses no threat to anyone, unlike Washington'

From Sputnik Brazil - The Russian Foreign Ministry and an advisor to Vladimir Putin commented on Donald Trump's statement regarding Russia's presence in Venezuela. Previously, Trump stated that Russia must withdraw from Venezuela, adding that all options are being evaluated to achieve this goal.

The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the Russian side did not violate any international rules. "The Russian side has not violated anything, neither international commitments nor Venezuelan law. Russia has not changed the balance of power in the region; Russia is not threatening anyone, unlike certain people in Washington," stated Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

She also said that it is necessary to stop the provocative activity of the self-proclaimed interim president of Venezuela, Juan Guaidó, since he is undermining the foundations of the institutions of the South American country.

"We support the appeal to all countries to contribute to the search for solutions to restore constitutional order in Venezuela. This involves suspending the provocative activity of the self-proclaimed, so-called interim president, who undermines the normative foundations of Venezuelan institutions," he noted.

According to the Russian president's advisor, Yuri Ushakov, the collaboration between Russia and Venezuela takes place within the framework of normal relations with the legitimate government of Venezuela.

"I think Zakharova [the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs] said it well: that they should calmly continue fulfilling their obligations regarding Syria, and not worry about this [Venezuela]. Everything is being done within the framework of normal relations with a legitimate government," Ushakov told reporters when asked to comment on the US president's statement.