💬 “We stand against moves that undermine peace and stability in the Latin America and Caribbean region, and oppose unilateral and excessive ‘enforcement operations’ against other countries’ vessels,” Mao said.

💬 “The normal exchanges and cooperation between China and Venezuela are cooperation between two sovereign states, which does not target any third party and is not subject to disruption or influence from any third party,” she added.

💬 “Such actions are in violation of both US domestic legislation…and the norms of international law,” Zakharova said, adding that Russia “confirms our firm support for the Venezuelan leadership in defending its national sovereignty.”

"[The proposals] have been approved, and the United Socialist Party of Venezuela must immediately begin implementing them by developing operational plans for every street and community, so that our people – calmly, with restraint, yet with determination and courage – remain at the highest state of readiness," Nicolas Maduro said at the congress of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela, broadcast by Venezolana de Television.

💬 "They [Europe] hung this millstone around their own necks by sponsoring the terrorist Kiev regime and jumped into the water," Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova tells Sputnik.

🔊 "And when you tell them, ‘Look, those are your air bubbles; they're there because you have that millstone around your neck. You have a way out; you have one. They immediately start hysterics because this is the most sore, the most painful point. And why? Because it's the truth," she adds.