By Burc Eruygur
ISTANBUL (AA) - Russia on Saturday said that the reported US military strikes on Venezuela have “no substantive basis” and are in violation of international law.
“Without a doubt, Venezuela has not posed any threat to the United States … Therefore, the current military operation, like the actions against Venezuela in recent days and weeks, have no substantive basis,” Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Konstantin Kosachev wrote on Telegram.
“Order should be based on international law, not rules. International law has clearly been violated. Order established in this manner must not prevail,” Kosachev said, in the first reaction by a top Russian official to the incident.
He went on to express confidence that the “global majority will decisively distance itself from the attack on Venezuela and condemn it.”
Separately, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told state media outlets, including state news agency RIA, that Moscow will “soon” issue a statement on the developments in Venezuela.
Earlier, multiple strong explosions were heard in Venezuela’s capital amid rising tensions with the US. Venezuela accused the US of carrying out the strikes.
Citing US officials, CBS News also reported that US President Donald Trump ordered strikes on sites inside Venezuela, including military facilities.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show thick smoke rising from several locations in the city, and air-raid sirens could be heard.