During an interview, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro described Ukraine as a colony that is controlled by the West. 

The Venezuelan president expressed full support for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his decision to recognize Lugansk and Donetsk as independent republics in eastern Ukraine. 

Ukraine is ruled by the United States and Europe almost like a colony, Maduro pointed out.

At a regular meeting with the government, Maduro spoke of his position on the Ukraine crisis, where he stressed that Putin has always looked for diplomatic solutions regarding problems around Ukraine. 

However, through violence and the use of weaponry provided by NATO, the Minsk agreements were violated by Ukraine. 

"The Minsk agreements were rejected... by the elite ruling in Ukraine and being an unconditional ally of the US and Europe. That country is ruled almost like a colony," Maduro said.

Maduro condemned the West’s use of force and military power to encircle Russia, saying "We reject all plans to encircle Russia by military means. Russia must be respected, just as all the peoples of the world must be respected.”

Desde Venezuela repudiamos los planes perversos que pretenden rodear militar y estratégicamente a Rusia. Todo el apoyo al Presidente Putin y a su pueblo. Estamos seguros que Rusia saldrá unida y victoriosa de esta batalla, con la admiración de los pueblos valientes del mundo. pic.twitter.com/tJaWOVr8II

— Nicolás Maduro (@NicolasMaduro) February 23, 2022

Ukraine, in his opinion, has suffered great damage: “Ukraine’s economy was destroyed by Biden and NATO when they set up bases with nuclear weapons aimed at Russia. That is absolutely unacceptable.” 

In addition to supporting the recognition of the Lugansk People’s Republic and Donetsk People’s Republic, Maduro spoke in favor of seeking diplomatic means through which Donbass can see a de-escalation.

Last week, Venezuela affirmed its support for Russia amid the Ukrainian crisis, during the Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov's visit to Venezuela. Caracas has also agreed on a military cooperation agreement with Russia. 

On state television, Maduro announced that Venezuela will be increasing "all training and cooperation plans," stressing that the agreement is aimed at peace and the defense of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the two nations.

Borisov stated that Venezuela is a strategic partner of Russia in Latin America and the world, expressing his appreciation for this partnership and dialogue of confidence at the political level.

Upon Russia’s recognition of the two republics, the European Union and the Biden administration rushed to implement new sanctions on Moscow.