Russia accuses the United States of planning to hand over arms to the Venezuelan opposition

The Russian government has today accused the United States and its NATO allies of working on weapons delivery projects to the Venezuelan opposition..

"There is information about US companies and their NATO allies work on the issue of buying large quantities of arms and ammunition in a country of Eastern Europe to transfer them immediately to Venezuela's opposition forces, "Foreign Ministry spokeswoman María Zajarova said at a press conference.

He mentioned heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launcher, portable air defense systems (MAPNADS) and various types of artillery as possible supplies, according to the agency Interfax.

The official said that the United States, which recognized Juan Guaidó as president in charge of Venezuela, plans to transfer weapons "early March" in several batches. According to her, it will be with the help of cargo aircraft "of the state company (Ukrainian transport and aviation) Antónov, among others ".

Zajárova claimed that the United States intended to cross the border with Venezuela "under the pretext of sending humanitarian aid". But it's about deploying "special forces and (military) equipment".

Russia, which supports Nicolás Maduro, believes that a "dangerous provocation on a large scale" is in preparation, directed and prompted by the United States for this Saturday with "the crossing of the Venezuelan border of an alleged humanitarian convoy that may cause clashes between supporters and opponents" of Maduro.

With him Washington intends to create "a convenient pretext for military action to drive away the current legitimate president of the country"said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman.

Guaidó reaffirmed Thursday in a "presidential decree" the authorization of entry of humanitarian aid the Maduro government refuses to accept and asks the army to act according to its instructions.