"Media: 'Bolton threatens those who will "undermine democratic institutions in Venezuela" with "consequences"' [Is he referring] to his notepad and pen?" Zakharova wrote on her official Facebook page.
Earlier in the day, Bolton said on Twitter that those who "conspire" with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to "destroy" democracy in the country would continue "to face consequences." In late January, Bolton was photographed during a press briefing holding a notepad that read "5,000 troops to Colombia", prompting widespread speculation that Washington was planning to use its military to deal with the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela.
READ MORE: Venezuela Unveils Anti-US Coalition to Prevent Military Intervention (VIDEO)
The political crisis in Venezuela erupted in late January after the leader of the opposition-led Venezuelan National Authority, Juan Guaido, proclaimed himself the interim president, contesting the results of the 2018 presidential election.
Russia and China, as well as several other countries, have refused to support the opposition leader and backed Maduro as the country's legitimate president.
Meanwhile, Washington has already introduced sanctions on Venezuelan state-owned oil company PDVSA, blocking the company's assets in its jurisdiction and imposing a ban on transactions with the entity.
