“These are primarily economic and financial restrictions and extraterritorial sanctions that Washington is applying in violation of international law,” the Russian diplomat emphasized in an interview with the Russian news agency Sputnik.

In this regard, he warned that the objective of these actions is to expel Russian and other “undesirable” foreign participants from the Venezuelan market and, through unfair competition, clear the space for structures under the control of the White House.

Melik-Bagdasarov added that US officials openly acknowledge this policy and do not conceal it in their public statements.

He also dismissed as incorrect the claim that companies from Russia were expelled, but stated that “certain projects are forced to adapt to the pressure of the sanctions,” with adjustments to deadlines and work formats that are not related to the US attack on Venezuela on January 3.

“Ultimately, Russian companies are not abandoning their obligations and are maintaining their presence and cooperation with partners in the South American nation,” the ambassador summarized.

Previously, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov denounced that, following the actions in Venezuela, the West is attempting to expel Russian companies from South American territory as part of its sanctions policies.

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