Venezuela does not need to ask Russia for military assistance as Caracas is able to defend itself, Venezuelan Deputy Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto told Sputnik on Thursday.
"Venezuela has all the capabilities to guarantee peace. And we have all the capabilities to ensure that no aggression will happen. We do not need any military support, because we are fully prepared to guarantee peace to our people," Pinto said when asked whether Caracas planned to seek military assistance from Russia.
The official also noted that the senior political and military management of Venezuela are constantly observing the situation in the state.
Commenting on the border issue, Yvan Gil Pinto stated that he had no information regarding its closure, adding that it is fully operational and working in accordance with the system that guarantees international security.
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According to Pinto, if a terror threat occurs along the border with Columbia, Caracas will take adequate measures.
The situation in crisis-torn Venezuela escalated on 23 January when opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president, disputing President Nicolas Maduro's re-election. Guaido was almost immediately recognized by the United States and its allies. Russia, China, Mexico, among other nations, voiced support for Maduro, who, in turn, accused Washington of orchestrating a coup.
