Venezuelans attempt to cross the border into Colombia after opposition efforts to bring in humanitarian aid were halted by the government

WORLD

Venezuela turns to Russia for help as crisis deepens

Venezuela`s Vice President Delcy Rodriguez is going to Russia for talks about the developing situation. James Blears reports that Moscow is a key ally of Caracas.

By James Blears

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez will have talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday. She will discuss cooperating and coordinating with Russia in order to stave off any attempted military action or invasion. Venezuela`s Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza is warning of the threat of war, while President Nicolas Maduro is urging troops to stay on high alert, saying the offer of international aid is a pretext for incursions.

Russia and China are key allies of Venezuela. They`ve also loaned it substantial amounts of money, which are helped keep it afloat, as US and other economic sanctions are biting ever deeper into its crumbling economy, which is ravaged by hyper inflation.

Russia recognizes Nicolas Maduro as Venezuela`s legitimate President. While the United States says opposition leader Juan Guaido who declared himself Interim President is the country`s leader.

Listen to the report by James Blears