"The US state secretary claims that Russia is using its state-sponsored 'disinformation outlets' such as RT and Sputnik to distract attention from a humanitarian catastrophe created by the 'Maduro regime' in Venezuela. He said this after New York Times wrote that humanitarian aid trucks were set on fire not by Maduro but the opposition supported by the US authorities. The thing our RT and Sputnik have long been telling about. It goes without saying we are [behind the situation with] Venezuela. But are we [behind the situation with New York] Times, too?" Simonyan wrote sarcastically on Telegram.
READ MORE: ‘Credibility of US Imperial Blackmail’ Hangs on Success of Venezuela Policy
On 23 February, the Venezuelan opposition tried to force US-sponsored aid into Venezuela through its borders with Colombia and Brazil, both of which support the opposition.
The failed attempt sparked clashes between Venezuelan officers, who prevented trucks from crossing the country's border without permission, and pro-aid protesters.
Several aid trucks were set on fire during the clashes, with the opposition blaming the Venezuelan government.
However, New York Times reported last week an opposition protester in Venezuela could be responsible for setting the convoy of humanitarian aid on fire.
READ MORE: Venezuela Gives US Diplomats 72 Hours to Leave the Country
In January, after the United States immediately recognized Guaido, Washington seized billions of dollars’ worth of Venezuela’s oil assets, and threatened to use military action against Maduro's government. Russia, China, Cuba, Bolivia and a number of other countries have reaffirmed their support for constitutionally elected Maduro as Venezuela’s only legitimate president.
READ MORE: Treasury: US Targets Russian Bank in Venezuela Sanctions for Alleged PDVSA Links
