The Russian deputy foreign minister said the world faced further bloodshed in Venezuela if the US 'meddled' with the country's leadership
Russia, China and Turkey have backed embattled Venezuela president Nicolas Maduro, warning any US military action would be "catastrophic".
The US was the first country to officially recognise Juan Guaido - the President of Venezuela's National Assembly - who declared himself interim president until a fresh election could be held.
Russia has been the most outspoken in their support for the Maduro, who has led his country into economic disaster during his five-year-reign, and issued a stark warning to the US.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told : "We warn everyone, not just the US, but some others that can entertain these ideas from this type of action.
The resort to military power would be catastrophic.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov
"The resort to military power would be catastrophic. ... It would be another huge blow to the international system. We face a scenario that may lead to further bloodshed in Venezuela.";
He described America's "meddling" as pouring gas on the fire.
Turkey stands with you.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan is reported to have phoned Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to offer support, saying "Turkey stands with you."
Erdogan said on Thursday he was shocked that Washington had backed Guaido after he declared himself interim president.
He said: "You will respect the results of elections. Trump's remarks shocked me, as someone who believes in democracy."
Erdogan himself survived an attempted coup in 2016, after his supporters took to the streets to fight for his continued rule.
China opposes foreign forces from interfering into Venezuela affairs.
Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying
China has also voiced support for Maduro, but are proving far more reserved than Russia.
The South China Morning Post pointed out that as oil-rich Venezuela’s main creditor, China faces a dilemma: how do they weight up growing social and political unrest against its multi-billion-dollar investment.
In the last decade alone the superpower has lent Venezuela $50billion.
Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said: “all parties to remain rational and keep calm, and reach a political settlement through peaceful dialogue”.
“China opposes foreign forces from interfering into Venezuela affairs.”
The likes of Cuba and Syria have also voiced their support for Maduro.
The likes of Canada, neighbouring nations Brazil and Columbia, and Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Spain and Peru have also backed the new leader.
The likes of the EU and Mexico have been a little more reticent, calling instead for free elections as a means of resolving the situation.
(we will use) the full weight of United States economic and diplomatic power to press for the restoration of Venezuelan democracy.
President Donald Trump
On Wednesday Trump said he would use "the full weight of United States economic and diplomatic power to press for the restoration of Venezuelan democracy" after recognising Guaido as interim president and calling Maduro "illegitimate".
Trump branded Maduro’s government “illegitimate”.
Violent protests erupted in Venezuela, leaving at least seven dead, after thousands took to the streets in a bid to oust President Nicolas Maduro.
Maduro had ordered US diplomats to leave the country, a command the US refused, sparking fears of an Iran-style hostage siege.
Guaido has called on the armed forces keeping Maduro in power to disobey the government.
During his rule Maduro has destroyed the oil-rich South American nation’s economy sparking rampant inflation which wrecked its health system and left his people starving.
Maduro passes by a portrait of late Venezuelan President Chavez
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