WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement on the decision by Russian state defense contractor Rostec to withdraw from Venezuela. Rostec has trained Venezuelan troops and advised on securing arms contracts. This decision follows Senator Scott’s call for Russia and Cuba to get out of Venezuela and Nicaragua.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Russia and Cuba, along with China and Iran, are actively supporting Nicolas Maduro in Venzuela, who’s engaged in genocide against his own people. He is murdering women and children and creating a flood of refugees into surrounding countries.

“I’ve called for Russia, Cuba, China and Iran to get out of Venezuela if there is to be a peaceful resolution and for the entire international community to recognize Juan Guaidó as the legitimate President of Venezuela. I’m glad to see Russia is taking steps to withdraw from Venezuela. They should withdraw completely and they should do it now. Maduro’s support is crumbling and now is the time for him to step aside. The fight for freedom will prevail in Venezuela.”

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