US calls on allies to block Russian planes from reaching Venezuela

"We applaud the Maltese government for refusing to allow Russian planes to use its airspace to supply the Venezuelan government. We call on all countries to follow Malta's example to block the Kremlin's support for Maduro," US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus wrote on Twitter on April 19.

Earlier in the day, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Malta had not allowed two Russian military planes to fly through its airspace to transport goods and soldiers to Venezuela on April 4.

Malta did not give a reason for the decision, Ms. Zakharova added, adding that Moscow would consider reviewing bilateral relations with Malta because of the incident.

Malta's move comes nearly two weeks after Russia sent two transport planes carrying nearly 100 troops and 35 tons of cargo to Caracas. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the troops were in Venezuela to maintain military equipment, adding that the move was in line with the Venezuelan constitution.

Tensions in Venezuela escalated after opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself "interim president," directly challenging President Nicolas Maduro's authority. The United States and several other countries recognized Guaido as Venezuela's new leader, while Russia, China, Cuba and many others affirmed that Maduro is the country's legitimate president.