In a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro expressed strong support for Russia's resolute actions in Ukraine and criticized the US and NATO's disruptive operations, the Kremlin said on Tuesday.

The phone conversation between the leaders took place at the initiative of the Venezuelan side.

"Nicolas Maduro expressed strong support for Russia's decisive actions, condemned the destabilizing activity of the United States and NATO, and emphasized the importance of countering the campaign of lies and disinformation launched by Western countries," the statement said.

Putin briefed Maduro on the situation in Ukraine, emphasizing that the special operation's goal was to protect the civilian population of Donbass and secure the recognition of the DPR and LPR and Russian sovereignty over Crimea, as well as maintaining the demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine and its neutrality and non-nuclear status.

Earlier, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry called for a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine, condemning "illegal sanctions" and economic aggression against the Russian people, which affect human rights.

In a statement, Venezuela expressed concern over the recent developments after Putin authorized a special military operation in Ukraine, condemning Ukraine's violation of the Minsk Agreements amid pressures by the United States. 

The statement explained that violating these agreements is a violation of international law and constitutes a major threat to Russia's territorial integrity and sovereignty.