Venezuela condemns sanctions on Russia, endorses peaceful solution

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On Thursday, 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 military operation in Ukraine, condemning Ukraine's violation of the Minsk Agreements with pressure from the United States. 

The statement explains that violating these agreements is a violation of international law, and constitutes a major threat to Russia's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Good relations between neighboring countries, in addition, were harmed.

The Venezuelan statement further called on all parties to engage in dialogue to find a diplomatic solution rather than a scenario of escalation.

The United States, Britain, Australia, Japan and the European Union have slapped draconian sanctions on Russia upon the launching of the military operation in Donbass. 

Last week, Caracas ratified an agreement on military cooperation with Russia, which aims to "defend the territorial integrity of the two countries," and assured Russia of its full support in the Ukraine crisis. 

Yury Borisov, Russian Deputy Prime Minister, divulged that "Venezuela is a strategic partner for Russia in Latin America. We highly value the character of allies in our coordination in the international arena and the dialogue of trust at the political level."