Russia calls on the US to release Maduro and his wife; China condemns military attacks that threaten peace in Latin America

Russia called on Saturday for United States authorities to release the Venezuelan leader, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, after President Donald Trump confirmed the capture of both.

"Given the confirmed reports regarding the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in the United States, we strongly urge US authorities to reconsider this position and release a president who was legitimately elected and his wife," the Russian Foreign Ministry stated in a press release.

Moscow advocated for the creation of conditions that would allow for the resolution of the existing conflict through dialogue.

Hours earlier, the Foreign Ministry demanded clarification on Maduro's whereabouts and asserted that his capture would be an "unacceptable violation" of the sovereignty of an independent state.

The new statements from Moscow follow a telephone conversation held between the head of Russian diplomacy, Sergey Lavrov, and the Venezuelan vice president, Delcy Rodríguez.

Previously, several Western media outlets speculated about Rodríguez's departure for Russia amidst the crisis that erupted in Venezuela following the American bombing earlier this morning.

China condemned on Saturday the military attacks by the United States against Venezuela and the capture of its president, Nicolás Maduro, actions that threaten "peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean."

"China is deeply shocked and strongly condemns the flagrant use of force by the United States against a sovereign state and its action against its president," Beijing's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a release.

"Such hegemonic behavior by the United States gravely violates international law, infringes upon the sovereignty of Venezuela, and threatens peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean. China firmly opposes it," it added.