Russia says Venezuela should determine own destiny without outside interference

Moscow's foreign ministry says in a statement that it welcomes the Venezuelan authorities' efforts to protect their sovereignty

The Venezuelan flag flies atop the National Assembly on the day of the swearing-in ceremony of Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as Venezuela’s interim president, after the US launched a strike on the country and captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan 5, 2026. REUTERS/Fausto Torrealba

The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday it welcomed the appointment of Delcy Rodriguez as Venezuela's interim president, adding that Venezuelans should determine their own destiny without outside interference.

Toppled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty in New York on Monday to narcotics charges after being captured by US special forces in an extraordinary raid that left Venezuelan leaders in Caracas scrambling to regroup.

Moscow's foreign ministry said in a statement that it welcomed the Venezuelan authorities' efforts to protect their sovereignty and national interests.