At a United Nations Security Council meeting on 23/12, Russia and China strongly condemned the United States' actions against Venezuela. Both nations accused Washington of violating international law through military and economic pressure, with Russia specifically labeling the US-imposed blockade as an "act of aggression."

United Nations Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia of Russia stated that "the actions of the United States go against all important norms of international law." He asserted that Washington bears responsibility for the "continuous catastrophic consequences caused by such brazen behavior."

Echoing Russia's sentiments, Sun Lei, Deputy Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, affirmed Beijing's opposition to "all unilateral and bullying actions." He added that China supports countries in "defending their national sovereignty and dignity."

The Security Council meeting at the United Nations headquarters in New York, United States on 23/12. *Photo: AFP*

The meeting, held at Venezuela's request with support from Russia and China, saw Venezuelan Ambassador Samuel Moncada claim his nation is facing "forces acting in defiance of international law, compelling people to leave the country." Moncada described the situation as the "biggest extortion in history."

US Ambassador Mike Waltz rebutted the criticisms, stating that the United States would do everything possible to "protect the hemisphere, its borders, and its people." He also repeated the unproven accusation that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro leads the Cartel de los Soles drug gang.

US President Donald Trump had previously accused Venezuela of using its oil resources to fund "drug terrorism, human trafficking, murder, and kidnapping." Caracas has consistently denied these allegations, claiming Washington aims to seize Venezuela's vast oil reserves, the world's largest.

The United States has recently escalated pressure on President Maduro's administration, deploying military assets to the region under the guise of anti-drug missions. Since September, US military airstrikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific have resulted in over 100 deaths.

Maduro views this mobilization of forces as a clear indication of a US intention to enact regime change in Venezuela and to "steal the country's land and minerals."

By Thanh Tam (AFP, Reuters)