Russia's Official Message to the U.S.

The United States must immediately cease escalating tensions with Venezuela and avoid committing an "irreparable error," stated Vasily Nebenzya, Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN.

"Washington should stop the escalation under false pretenses and steer clear of an irreparable mistake that could lead to military actions against Venezuela," Nebenzya said during a UN Security Council meeting.

According to him, Russia strongly condemns the strikes by the United States on civilian vessels near Venezuela.