Russia has cautioned the U.S. against making “a fatal mistake” over Venezuela, amid Washington’s recent order to block sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving the country. The Russian foreign ministry said Moscow is concerned about actions that threaten international navigation and could have “unpredictable consequences for the entire Western Hemisphere.”

President Donald Trump’s administration enacted the blockade earlier this week, seizing a sanctioned oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast and effectively halting shipments of millions of barrels of crude. Russia, a longtime ally of Venezuela, emphasized the need for dialogue between Washington and Caracas and reaffirmed solidarity with the Venezuelan people, while supporting President Nicolas Maduro’s efforts to protect national sovereignty.

Citing Venezuelan independence hero Simón Bolívar, the Russian statement argued that all nations have the right to choose their own leadership and called for respect from other countries.

Unilateral Bullying

Meanwhile, China also voiced opposition to what it described as “unilateral bullying,” following the U.S. blockade. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Venezuelan counterpart that Beijing supports nations in safeguarding sovereignty and national dignity. However, China did not specify how it might assist Venezuela or offer refuge for Maduro, despite being a major buyer of Venezuelan crude and a longtime financial partner through loans-for-oil arrangements.

The U.N. and leaders from Mexico and Brazil have urged restraint and dialogue, calling on the U.S. and Venezuela to comply with international law. Venezuela has formally requested an urgent meeting of the U.N. Security Council to address what it describes as ongoing U.S. aggression, a move China supports.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also reaffirmed support for Maduro in a recent phone call, emphasizing Moscow’s backing of Venezuela’s national interests in the face of growing external pressure.