"Sanctions? We do not recognize any sanctions, for us they are recognition of mortality, loyalty and honesty," Maduro said in a speech aired by the national television channel.
In a statement published on the president’s website, Maduro also called sanctions "illegal, insolent," adding "we do not accept and repudiate" what he said was an attempt by Washington to become "the world’s government."
US President Donald Trump warned Caracas last week that the United States would impose "strong and swift economic measures" on Venezuela if its government went ahead with the July 30 election to a new legislative body that may bypass the opposition-controlled lower house of parliament.
Wednesday’s sanctions against the Venezuelan armed forces chief and the interior minister, among others, include asset freezes and a ban on US firms dealing with blacklisted officials.
