Russia to Trump: Be "Pragmatic" on Venezuela, End "Lawlessness"

Russia has publicly called on former U.S. President Donald Trump to adopt a "pragmatic and rational" approach to Venezuela. The statement came from Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. She condemned U.S. policy in the Caribbean as "lawlessness." Zakharova reiterated Moscow's firm support for the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The comments highlight Russia's ongoing backing of Maduro. They also signal a direct appeal to Trump, who is currently running for president again. The U.S. has historically imposed sanctions and rejected Maduro's 2018 re-election as illegitimate. Zakharova did not specify what a pragmatic U.S. policy would entail. The appeal suggests Moscow views the upcoming U.S. election as a chance to reset tensions over Venezuela.