Venezuela has openly endorsed Russian action in Ukraine with a view that Western countries were trying to surround Russia militarily to achieve their vested interests.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro today announced his support for Russian President Vladimir Putin, amid what he described as plans by the West to “surround Russia militarily and strategically”.
So far, Venezuela is the only country in the world that has supported Russia for recognising two regions of Ukraine as independent republics from Feb 22, 2022, and sending troops there for ensuring peace.
Meanwhile, Japan and Australia have also imposed sanctions on Russia from today.
Japan is imposing sanctions on Russia over its actions in Ukraine, including prohibiting the issuance of Russian bonds in Japan and freezing the assets of certain Russian individuals, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said.
Kishida, who also called on Russia to return to diplomatic discussions, said he did not see a significant impact on energy supplies in the short term from the current situation and said further steps would be considered should the situation worsen.
Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison also imposed sanctions on some Russian individuals, announced travel bans and targeted financial sanctions over Moscow’s moves in eastern Ukraine.
“Australians always stand up to bullies, and we will be standing up to Russia, along with all of our partners,” he said.
“I expect subsequent tranches of sanctions, this is only the start of this process.”
“President Putin denounced before the UN Security Council that they  (NATO) intend to surround Russia, pointing all NATO weapons at Russia in order to attack and destroy it when the conditions are right,” Maduro said.
“And what does the world expect from President Putin, that he should stand idly by and not act in defence of his people? That is why Venezuela announces its full support to President Vladimir Putin.”
