Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova’s comment on the situation in Ecuador

The Foreign Ministry expresses its solidarity with the Government and the people of Ecuador as they face criminal groups, which have radically stepped up their efforts to disrupt and destabilise the situation in the country. We firmly condemn the terrorist methods, including hostage taking, practiced by the armed groups, and wish a speedy recovery to those who suffered in these criminal attacks.

It is our expectation that the Ecuadorian authorities will put an end to the rampage caused by these criminal elements, and to do so independently, without any outside interference, by reasserting control and restoring calm and order.

According to the Russian Embassy in Quito, there have been no casualties among Russians. However, we urge Russian nationals planning to travel to Ecuador to consider the factor of instability, and advise our compatriots who are already there to avoid public spaces.