Trump, Putin discuss Venezuela as Guaido calls for new protests

US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin Friday discussed the crisis in oil-rich Venezuela, where Washington has thrown its weight behind a campaign to oust the Moscow-backed socialist president.

"Very productive talk!" tweeted the US leader following their conversation, which came three days after an abortive military uprising in support of Juan Guaido, the self-declared interim leader seeking to oust President Nicolas Maduro.

US-Russian tensions have spiked over the months-long standoff in Venezuela, where Moscow accuses the United States of fomenting a coup against Maduro.

Recognized by more than 50 countries as interim leader, Guaido has urged his supporters to gather for a new day of peaceful demonstrations at military bases on Saturday in a fresh bid to rally the armed forces behind him.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters Trump had made clear to Putin "that the United States stand with the people of Venezuela," in talks that also touched on trade, North Korea, Ukraine and disarmament treaties.

The leaders also discussed Robert Mueller's investigation into Russia election meddling, she said, describing the talks -- which lasted well over an hour -- as "overall very positive."
"What people should feel confident about is we have... there's depth to these plans."