Russia sharply criticized the United States on Saturday following reports of a large-scale military strike on Venezuela, describing the operation as an act of armed aggression and warning that the situation risks further destabilization if restraint is not exercised. The condemnation came after a series of explosions were reported in Caracas in the early hours of the morning, raising fears of a major escalation in an already volatile geopolitical standoff.

In a statement issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry, Moscow rejected the justification cited for the military action and accused Washington of allowing ideological hostility to override pragmatic diplomacy. The ministry said that the reasoning presented to legitimize the strike was untenable and stressed that predictable, trust-based international relations were being undermined by unilateral force. Russia emphasized that dialogue remains the only viable path to resolving disputes surrounding Venezuela’s political future.

Reaffirming its alliance with Caracas, Moscow expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people and reiterated its support for the country’s Bolivarian leadership, which it said has sought to defend national sovereignty and core state interests under intense external pressure. Russian officials indicated that the country stands ready to assist any diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating the crisis and preventing further violence.

Russia’s embassy in Caracas confirmed that it continues to operate normally despite the unrest and remains in close contact with Venezuelan authorities as well as Russian nationals in the country. According to the embassy, there were no immediate reports of Russian citizens being injured during the incidents linked to the attack.

The U.S. president announced earlier on Saturday that American forces had conducted what he described as a large-scale military operation against Venezuela. He claimed that Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife were taken into custody in coordination with U.S. law enforcement and removed from the country. The president praised the planning and execution of the operation, characterizing it as a major success, and said further details would be shared during a news conference scheduled later in the day.

Venezuelan officials, however, portrayed the events as a direct invasion of national territory. Defense authorities stated that urban areas across the country were affected, alleging that missiles and rockets were launched from American combat helicopters. They said efforts were underway to determine the number of casualties, acknowledging that the full human toll remained unclear as emergency services responded to damage in multiple locations.

Venezuela’s defense minister condemned the operation as the most serious affront the country has faced, vowing resistance to the presence of foreign troops and asserting that the nation would defend its independence. The government framed the strike as part of a broader campaign aimed at undermining state authority and forcibly reshaping the country’s leadership.

Saturday’s developments followed months of heightened U.S. military activity in the Caribbean, where thousands of troops and numerous naval vessels have been deployed. Washington has previously justified its expanded presence by citing efforts to counter drug trafficking routes in the region, while also accusing Venezuelan authorities of narco-terrorism and economic misconduct. At the same time, the U.S. administration has repeatedly signaled its desire for political change in Caracas, contributing to mounting tensions that have now erupted into open confrontation.

As international reactions continue to unfold, Russia’s warning underscored growing concern that continued military actions could deepen instability in Latin America and strain global diplomatic norms, with Moscow urging all parties to step back from further escalation.