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 lead 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 troops to Venezuela on April 4.

Ms. Zakharova added that Malta did not give a reason for this decision, and affirmed 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 soldiers and 35 tons of cargo to Caracas. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the soldiers 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 power. The United States and several other countries recognized Guaido as Venezuela's new leader, while Russia, China, Cuba and many other countries affirmed that Maduro is the legitimate president of the country.