MOSCOW, April 1. /TASS/. The tensions in Venezuela are rising and may reach a critical point in the nearest future, expert of the International Valdai Discussion Club Andrey Bystritsky told TASS on Monday.

"The tensions are rising: the duality of power, the uncertainty, the huge number of refugees, the dissatisfaction among the neighboring Latin American countries, the pressure of the US and so on. I think in this case, the culmination will take place rather soon," the expert said.

According to him, currently, neither side of the conflict has a deciding majority. "The sum of different factors gives way to a balance of power. If there were an obvious advantage, the situation would resolve itself. If someone makes a mistake or loses their patience, the tensions may escalate, and the showdown will begin," Bystritsky noted.

 

Sanctions against Russia

 

Bystritsky noted that Washington’s statements on potential sanctions against Moscow due to the situation in Venezuela "still sound rather blurry", but can transform into real measures in the future. "In this case, the threats by the US are of a preventive nature. For the most part, it is not a signal to Russia, but to the US citizens, a demonstration of certain ruthlessness and consistency," he stressed.

Earlier, US Special Representative for Venezuela Elliot Abrams informed that US State Secretary Mike Pompeo would decide in the near future which measures the US is planning to take in relation to Russia’s support of incumbent Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

 

Chances of intervention are low

 

According to the analyst, many Latin American countries are expecting decisive and tough action from the United States against the Venezuelan government, however, few countries rally for a military intervention, including the US. "Military intervention is the most dire, unlikely and exotic option," Bystritsky said. "This would be counterproductive and would only unite a part of Venezuelan population, because no one wants an intervention like this one. This would also cause unrest among Latin American countries."

He stressed that so far, the uncertainty in Venezuela goes on. Its neighboring countries cannot manage the flow of refugees, which is why "the neighboring states wish that the situation in Venezuela would resolve itself as soon as possible".