Strong U.S. Criticism of Russian Troop Deployment to Venezuela; Russia's Response

Following reports of two Russian planes landing and dozens of troops arriving in Venezuela, the U.S. has accused Moscow of being 'irresponsible and seeking to escalate tensions.' Russia, on the other hand, claims that Washington 'intends to orchestrate a coup in Venezuela.' On Sunday, a Venezuelan official told the Associated Press that two Russian military aircraft had landed in Caracas as part of 'military cooperation' between the two countries. Hours later, Russian media reported that the troops were sent 'to discuss cooperation in the defense industry.' Russia is one of the main supporters of Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan president whose legitimacy is challenged. The U.S., conversely, supports Juan Guaidó, the parliament leader and opposition figure who has declared himself interim president. Guaidó considers the current Venezuelan government illegitimate and calls for Maduro's resignation and presidential elections. Maduro claims he is the legitimate president and has rejected calls for elections. The deployment of Russian troops to Venezuela has drawn severe criticism from Washington. A U.S. State Department spokesperson stated that Washington condemns this action by Russia, viewing it as 'contradicting Russia's and Nicolás Maduro's claims of the need to refrain from foreign intervention in Venezuela.' According to the U.S. State Department, this action by Russia is 'irresponsible' and 'will lead to increased tensions.' Mike Pompeo, the U.S. Secretary of State, also stated in a phone conversation with Sergey Lavrov that his government 'will not remain silent.' Pompeo did not provide further details on potential actions or responses from Washington regarding the deployment of Russian troops. Previously, Donald Trump and several other U.S. officials had emphasized that all options, including military action, are on the table regarding Venezuela. Juan Guaidó had also called on the 'international community' last year to keep 'all options on the table for restoring freedom to Venezuela.' According to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry, Lavrov told Pompeo during their phone conversation that Washington is attempting 'to orchestrate a coup in Venezuela.' Sergey Lavrov added that such actions 'violate the UN Charter regarding non-interference in the internal affairs of an independent country.' A similar viewpoint was expressed by Maduro on Saturday, stating that Washington 'is using Venezuela's frozen assets to plot his assassination.' The U.S. Secretary of State stated that the sending of Russian troops and 'support for the illegitimate government of Nicolás Maduro' results in nothing but 'continued suffering for the people of Venezuela, who largely support Juan Guaidó, the interim president.' According to the head of the Venezuelan polling institute 'Datanálisis,' nearly 80% of Venezuelan citizens demand Maduro's resignation. Reuters also reports signs that support for Guaidó is no longer limited to the middle and upper classes; protests against the government have occurred in impoverished and working-class areas of Venezuela. Guaidó also enjoys the support of over 50 countries. Venezuela was once one of the wealthiest countries in the region, but as reported by The Guardian, approximately 87% of its citizens currently live in poverty.