The Russian ambassador to Venezuela, Serguéi Melik-Bagdasárov, denounced that the United States is resorting to unfair practices to drive unwanted Russian and international businesses out of the South American nation.

According to the Russian diplomat, U.S. actions are based on economic-financial limitations and extraterritorial sanctions that Washington applies in violation of international law.

Melik-Bagdasárov asserted that the objective of these U.S. actions is none other than to expel Russian and other "unwanted" foreign participants from the Venezuelan market and, through unfair competition, to clear the space for structures under Washington's control.

He added that U.S. officials openly acknowledge this policy and do not hide it in their public speeches.

The Russian diplomat noted that "certain projects are forced to adapt to sanctions pressure," with adjustments in timelines and work formats that are unrelated to the U.S. attack on Venezuela in early January.

Melik-Bagdasárov assured that despite U.S. pressure, Russian companies and firms are not renouncing their obligations and will maintain their presence and cooperation with Venezuelan partners.

On January 3 of this year, the United States carried out a military attack against Venezuela, kidnapping President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, who were transferred to New York to be tried on alleged drug trafficking charges.

Since then, the U.S. has pressured Venezuela to negotiate an agenda for the unfreezing of Venezuelan funds and the sale of the South American country's crude oil, as well as dialogue at the diplomatic level.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has stated on several occasions that her government is committed to "the path of diplomacy" with Washington to protect the country and the Venezuelan people.