The Russian foreign ministry says the United States' denial of being involved in an alleged mercenary attack in Venezuela is "unconvincing."
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro appeared on state television on Monday showing the US passports of two men he said were captured during a failed sea attack by mercenaries.
US President Donald Trump had told reporters on Tuesday: "It has nothing to do with our government."
In a statement, the Russian ministry said that "Washington's statements that 'the US government has nothing to do with what happened in Venezuela over the last few days' sound unconvincing."
US President Donald Trump has denied the claims made by the Venezuelan leader. Source: AP
It pointed to earlier warnings by Mr Trump's administration that "all options" are on the table, implying the possibility of military action.
Russia supports Mr Maduro, who the United States has been unsuccessfully trying to topple for more than a year.
The US and some 60 other countries consider opposition leader Juan Guaido to be the interim president.
Mr Maduro said Wednesday the two Americans would be tried in Venezuela.
The Russian ministry said "the actions of the mercenaries deserve unequivocal and decisive condemnation," especially during the coronavirus pandemic.
"There should be no place on Venezuelan soil for mercenaries sent from elsewhere," the ministry said.
It pointed to Venezuela's claim that the captured men are linked to US special forces.
It condemned "certain countries" for their "political tunnel vision and obsession with removing the lawful president of Venezuela from power."
