Russia urges US to not meddle in Moscow, Caracas relations

Russia on Thursday (local time) warned the US to not meddle in Russia-Venezuela bilateral relations, reported TASS.

"We do not think that third parties should worry about our bilateral relations with other countries. We do not interfere in Venezuela's domestic affairs and expect third countries to do the same, letting the Venezuelan people decide their future themselves," said Russia President Vladimir Putin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

"As for the United States, it is present in many parts of the world but no one tells Washington where it should be and where it shouldn't. This is why we expect that our right to build relations with other countries based on our interests and the interests of those countries will be respected," he added.

The war of words between US and Russia over Venezuela began when US Mike Pompeo on Monday asked Russia to "cease its unconstructive behaviour" as it is "exacerbating tensions" in Caracas.

Yesterday, US President Donald Trump said that he will consider "all options" in order to make Russian troops leave Venezuela.

Trump made these comment after foreign media reported that two Russian military jets with 100 soldiers on board reached Caracas.

Last week, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said that Russia would send medicine "next week" to Venezuela, amid reports of strengthening ties between Caracas and Moscow.

According to Al Jazeera, the Maduro regime in February had blocked a convoy carrying humanitarian aid from entering into Venezuela via the border with Colombia. He also ordered the closure of Venezuela's border with Brazil "until further notice" amid a tense standoff with the US-backed Opposition leader, Juan Guaido, over allowing in humanitarian aid.

The South American nation is crippled with a political and economic crisis since January after Guaido proclaimed himself as the President of the nation in January. While most European countries have recognised Guaido as the interim President, countries like Russia, China, Turkey, amongst others, have slammed foreign interference in Venezuela and shown support for Maduro.