Putin confirms support for Maduro amid tensions with the United States

(Patria) - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday confirmed his support for Venezuela in a phone call with longtime ally President Nicolas Maduro, the Kremlin said.

The call comes after the United States seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, the latest in a series of friction points between the two countries, AFP reported.

Russia has cultivated warm relations with Venezuela, and Maduro visited Moscow earlier this year, where he attended the annual military parade and signed a broad partnership agreement with Putin.

In the phone call on Thursday, "Vladimir Putin expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people," the Kremlin said.

Putin also "confirmed his support for the policy of Maduro's government aimed at protecting national interests and sovereignty in the face of growing external pressure," the statement said.

On Wednesday, the U.S. military seized a Venezuelan oil tanker - soldiers with rifles raised descended onto the tanker's deck from a helicopter.

Washington has accused Maduro of running a drug cartel, which he denies. Maduro claims the United States is seeking regime change because of Venezuela's vast oil reserves.

U.S. President Donald Trump has deployed warships within range of Venezuela, and at least 87 people have been killed in at least 22 attacks on ships in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea.