Venezuelan Foreign Minister demands Maduro's release at UN

Russian outlets strongly back Venezuela’s position, describing Maduro’s capture as an unlawful US military operation and calling for his and his wife’s immediate release. They present Russia as leading international calls on Washington to free Maduro and to respect Venezuelan sovereignty. Russian coverage also points to US limits on paying Maduro’s legal fees as further proof that his rights are being violated.

• •Russia’s Foreign Ministry has publicly demanded that the United States immediately release Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
• •Russian officials describe the US action that led to Maduro’s detention as an illegal military operation.
• •Russian coverage says the US operation breached Venezuelan sovereignty and international law.
• •Russian reports highlight that US authorities are blocking Venezuelan government funds from being used for Maduro’s legal defense.
• •Russia presents itself as coordinating with allied governments to support Venezuela’s case at the UN.