US President Donald Trump says it would be “smart” for Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro to step down, as Russia pledges full support to Caracas.
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said it would be “smart” for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to step down.
Trump made the comment to reporters at his Florida home on Monday as US naval forces enforce a blockade on Venezuela’s oil exports.
“That’s up to him, what he wants to do. I think it would be smart for him to do that,” Trump said.
He added a warning, stating, “If he wants to do something — if he plays tough, it’ll be the last time he’s ever able to play tough.”
The remarks come amid escalating US military operations against Caracas, including strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats and the seizure of oil tankers.
Russia, a key Venezuelan ally, expressed its “full support” for Maduro’s government.
In a phone call, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Venezuelan counterpart Yvan Gil blasted US actions.
“The Russian side reaffirmed its full support for and solidarity with the Venezuelan leadership and people,” a Russian foreign ministry statement said.
The ministers agreed to coordinate actions at the United Nations, where the Security Council is set to discuss the crisis.
Venezuela accuses Washington of “international piracy” and seeking regime change.
Trump claims Maduro’s government uses oil revenue to finance “drug terrorism, human trafficking, murder and kidnapping.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio last week dismissed concerns over Russian involvement in Venezuela.
He stated Washington was “not concerned about an escalation with Russia” as “they have their hands full in Ukraine.”