MOSCOW, January 10. /TASS/. Moscow expects that the authorities of Ecuador will be able to stop the spread of crime and will take back the control over the situation on their own, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in her commentary.

"We expect that the authorities of Ecuador will be able to put an efficient barrier to the rampant crime. That they will be able to, on their own, without foreign interference, take back control over the satiation, to restore peace and order," the diplomat underscored.

Zakharova added that Russia decisively condemns the terrorist methods of criminal groups in Ecuador, including taking hostages.

"We state our solidarity with the government and the people of Ecuador, who faced an abrupt activation of criminal structures, aimed at destabilization of internal political situation. We decisively condemn the terrorist methods, used by the armed groups, including taking hostages. We express our condolences to the families of the victims. We wish speedy recovery to those injured during bandit raids," Zakharova noted.

At the same time, the diplomat called on Russian citizens to take the instability of the situation in the country into account while planning their trips, and called on Russian citizens already staying there to avoid visiting public places.

The situation in Ecuador escalated on January 7, when a local crime lord known as ‘Fito’ escaped the prison. Riots happened in several penitentiary facilities after that. On January 8, President of Ecuador Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency in the country.