A Russian Foreign Ministry picture shows Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

MOSCOW, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday against U.S. intervention in the internal affairs of Venezuela, including the use of force.

Lavrov made the remarks in a phone conversation with Pompeo at the initiative of the U.S. side, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Washington will face violations of international law if the United States intervenes, Lavrov told his counterpart.

"The readiness to hold consultations on the Venezuelan theme in line with the principles of the UN (United Nations) Charter was expressed," the Russian statement read.

The Venezuelan crisis escalated after opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president during an anti-government rally on Jan. 23, alleging that the government of President Nicolas Maduro is illegitimate.

The United States, among some other countries, has recognized Guaido's presidency, and U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that "all options are on the table."

Maduro, in response, announced the severing of diplomatic and political ties with Washington.