A TOP Russian commander slammed the United States blockade of Venezuela on Thursday as a violation of international law.

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump claimed that Venezuela’s oil belonged to the US as it had been stolen when the energy industry was nationalised in the early 1970s and further taken under state control in the 2000s by Hugo Chavez.

Mr Trump used the bizarre claim to announce he was implementing a full blockade of Venezuela.

But speaking to a meeting of foreign military attaches, Russian Army Chief of Staff General Valery Gerasimov said: “The most alarming situation is unfolding around Venezuela, where Washington has set as its goal the removal of the country’s president, who was legitimately elected.

“At the same time, steps are being taken to block maritime traffic and air flights in the region, which violate international law.”

Moscow urged the US to exercise caution regarding the situation surrounding Venezuela, warning it could have serious implications for the entire western Hemisphere.

Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “We are observing an escalation of tensions in the region and consider this potentially very dangerous. Venezuela is our ally and partner.”

He said that Moscow maintained regular, high-level contacts with Caracas.

Venezuela has called for a special session of the United Nations security council to discuss the ramping up of tensions by the US against Venezuela.

Samuel Moncada, Venezuela’s ambassador to the UN, said on Thursday that Venezuela will take all necessary steps to “defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence in order to ensure peace.”

Speaking at a UN session commemorating the International Day against Colonialism, Mr Moncada demanded that Washington respect the UN Charter and the principles of sovereign equality, non-interference and self-determination of peoples.

“President Trump intends to turn back the clock of history and impose a colony on Venezuela.

“Gunboat diplomacy has no place in the 21st century” and “colonialism must be defeated,” he said.