US will face violations of international law if it intervenes in Venezuela: Russia

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo against US intervention in the internal affairs of Venezuela, including the use of force. Lavrov made the remarks during a phone conversation with Pompeo at the initiative of the US side, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

Washington will face violations of international law if the United States intervenes, Lavrov told his counterpart, Xinhua news agency reported. "The readiness to hold consultations on the Venezuelan theme in line with the principles of the UN (United Nations) Charter was expressed," the Russian statement read.

The Venezuelan crisis escalated after opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president during an anti-government rally on Jan 23, alleging that the government of President Nicolas Maduro is illegitimate. The United States, among some other countries, has recognized Guaido's presidency, and US President Donald Trump has warned that "all options are on the table." Maduro, in response, announced the severing of diplomatic and political ties with Washington.