So far the US and other nations have expressed support for Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guido. In response Venezuelan president Maduro told US diplomats to exit the country in 72 hours.
The US then said Maduro no longer has governmental authority and the US would not recall its Ambassador.
Now Russia warns the US to not take military action in Venezuela.
So, would the US use military force? Certainly if US diplomats are attacked it would. Would Russia respond militarily even if a US military response was limited to protect its diplomatic staff? This could spiral out of control.Russia warned the U.S. on Thursday not to intervene militarily in Venezuela, saying such a move would trigger a catastrophe.
Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president on Wednesday, winning the backing of Washington and prompting socialist incumbent Nicolas Maduro to sever diplomatic relations with the United States. Violence flared during big protests across Venezuela, and at least seven deaths were reported.
In an interview with Russian journal International Affairs published on Thursday, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Moscow would stand with Venezuela to protect its sovereignty and the principle of non-interference in its domestic affairs.
Asked about the prospect of U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, Ryabkov said Washington should steer well clear.
"We warn against that," he said. "We consider that would be a catastrophic scenario that would shake the foundations of the development model which we see in Latin America."
President Donald Trump has promised to use the "full weight" of U.S. economic and diplomatic power to push for the restoration of Venezuela's democracy.
Also Turkey supports Maduro.