The conversation between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Venezuela's Yvan Gil on Monday took place at the same time as the United States continued to try to block commercial ships - including oil tankers - from traveling to and from Venezuela.
"The ministers expressed deep concern over the escalation of Washington's actions in the Caribbean Sea, which could have serious consequences for the region and threaten international shipping," the Russian Foreign Ministry announced after the conversation.
Russia also said it fully supports Nicolás Maduro's authoritarian leadership in Venezuela, and said the two countries should expand "bilateral cooperation."
The United States and President Donald Trump have singled out Maduro as one of the targets of the intensified operation. About 100 people have been killed in US attacks on suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea, and recently two merchant ships off the coast of Venezuela were boarded by US forces. A third ship was chased by US forces in the waters on Monday.
In addition, the Trump administration has targeted sanctions against groups in Venezuela that the US suspects of being involved in drug smuggling to the US.
