After a long break, the Venezuelan opposition held a demonstration in front of the European Union Embassy with the participation of about a thousand people to protest the occupation of Ukraine and the unconditional support of the ruling Nicolas Maduro government to Russia.
Opponents of the war, gathered in front of the European Union Embassy, criticized Maduro’s direct and open support for Russian President Vladimir Putin and stated that his government’s support for Russia does not reflect the will of the Venezuelan people, and that most Venezuelans are against war and violence.
Speaking to VOA Turkish, trade unionist Ana Contreras said, “We Venezuelans support peace, not war, so we do not accept Maduro’s support of war on behalf of Venezuelans. We Ukrainians are on the side of peace and life, not war,” he said.
Many opposition party representatives participated in the demonstration where banners such as “No to war”, “Putin’s child Maduro”, “Venezuela people support Ukrainians”, “Venezuela is not Russia”, “Respect for human rights and national sovereignty” and flags of Ukraine and Venezuela.
Opposition leader Juan Guido, who participated in the demonstration, also said that Maduro is a puppet of the Kremlin and takes a stand in favor of death and occupation.
“Russia’s presence in Venezuela is a threat to the region”
Noting that Maduro opened the doors of Venezuela to Russia, Guaido said that Putin has the intention to threaten the American continent by cooperating with Maduro, but that the Venezuelans will not allow Putin to use their country as a geopolitical trump card.
“The existence of Russian radar systems and Russian soldiers in Venezuela (on the Colombian border) is known, and the establishment of a military base is also discussed. “The Russian military presence in Venezuela poses a threat to Latin American peace,” he said.
Noting that the struggle against Russia is between oppressive regimes and democratic forces, and that this is the reality of Venezuela, the opposition leader said that they have started working to send Venezuelan health workers who had to leave their country during the crisis to help the Ukrainian refugees, and that they have started working on 11 Venezuelans in the first place. He stated that the doctor will reach the area.
Recently, Colombian President Ivan Duque expressed his dissatisfaction with the increase in Russian troops in Venezuela and the installation of Russian radar systems in all states bordering Venezuela with Colombia. The United States also has bases in Colombia.