Maduro said the appeal to the UN because of the threat of US blockade of Venezuela

"I gave instructions to the Permanent Representative of Venezuela to the United Nations, Samuel Moncade, to announce to the Security Council today about the illegal and criminal threat of Donald Trump to impose a sea blockade and quarantine against Venezuela," RIA Novosti said in a statement on state television.

Earlier, Trump affirmatively answered a question from journalists about the possibility of a "blockade or isolation" of Venezuela from the United States.

The Russian Foreign Ministry noted that Trump's statements reflect the US attitude to exert pressure on the government, which is pursuing a course objectionable to Washington.

In late January, expert Nikita Danyuk, in an interview with FBA Economy Today, stated that the United States, hiding behind slogans about freedom and democracy in Venezuela, pursue only its own interests.